Morocco's Dilemma: Rights and Reform or Closure and Conservatism?

Key Findings 

 In a volatile region, Morocco is navigating a political space where both conservatives and progressives are present and vocal. 

 Morocco has a progressive constitution, but new political actors and deepening social conservatism threaten to reverse previous gains on equal rights. 

 Morocco needs bold leadership to fully implement its laws and transform the social and judicial status quo to allow for equality and social justice. 

 In the last half of 2014, the Moroccan government has prevented activities of some women’s and human rights organizations without any credible explanation. 

 A new generation of civil society actors working for women’s and human rights are developing new methods to engage broader segments of society. 

 A majority of Moroccan women experience some form of violence. Activists are successfully using social media to raise awareness of the extent of violence against women, such as street harassment. 

 Women’s rights activists and youth democracy activists need to collaborate and engage each other strategically to address legal, political, and social issues facing Moroccan women as well as broader human rights and social justice issues.