Hanan Harat
Morocco — The risks facing women worldwide continue to rise — from physical and digital violence to economic and social violations — making women’s issues one of the key themes revived annually by the United Nations on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (November 25) and the accompanying 16 Days of Activism Campaign.

In Morocco, more than seven decades after independence, violence against women remains one of the clearest indicators of social inequality, manifesting in physical, psychological, economic, and digital forms — exposing deep flaws in protection and justice systems.

This report, released within the context of international days on women and human rights, sheds light on violence against women in Morocco through field accounts, official data, and testimonies from feminist and human rights organizations.

 

Between Laws and Destiny: When Defamation Kills Twice

Wafaa, a young woman from a small village in the Beni Mellal-Khenifra region of central Morocco, never imagined that a casual friendship would end her life.

In September, her private photos were leaked online by a man she knew. In her small community — “where words travel faster than the wind” — she found herself surrounded by judgmental looks and a society that stayed silent toward the perpetrator.

Her mother, called to the police station, could only cry and repeat that her daughter was “a victim, not a sinner.” That evening, Wafaa ended her life — leaving behind the haunting question: How can a single photo take an entire life?

Barely a month later, tragedy struck again in Taza, northeastern Morocco. Iman, a young woman, was assaulted in public with a knife by her ex-husband, suffering severe facial and eye injuries. He had previously sexually assaulted her and coerced her into marriage to register their child, a marriage that ended in divorce and further violence.

The Moroccan Association for Human Rights provided legal and psychological support while police arrested the perpetrator. Feminist groups issued an urgent appeal to review legal gaps that endanger women’s lives.

The stories of Wafaa and Iman reveal two sides of gender-based violence in Morocco: digital violence that hunts victims through screens, and physical violence that leaves scars for life — both exposing weak protection mechanisms and inadequate response despite recent legal reforms.

Numbers that Reveal the Depth of the Wound

According to a report by the High Commission for Planning (HCP) published in March, about 825,000 Moroccan girls aged 15–19 experienced at least one form of violence, while more than half of all women aged 20–74 faced violence inside or outside the family.

Official figures show that 56.5% of Moroccan women still experience some form of violence, most often domestic. Economic violence doubled from 8.2% in 2009 to 15.1% in 2019. Between 2020 and 2023, “economic and social violence” reached 24.8%, including deprivation of financial resources or decision-making within the household, leaving many women unable to escape or report abuse.

Only 19.9% of Moroccan women are in regular employment, reinforcing economic dependency and vulnerability to exploitation.

Digital violence has also become an extension of traditional abuse — 58.1% of women reported experiencing some form of online violence, and one-third said the abuse later turned physical.

A staggering 70% of girls aged 15–19 faced violence within a single year, raising urgent questions about early protection for this vulnerable age group.

 

Institutional Violence: When the System Fails Mothers

Violence in Morocco extends beyond homes and streets — it reaches institutions. At Al Hassan II Hospital in Agadir, eight pregnant women died within a short period, sparking nationwide outrage. The Federation of Women’s Rights Leagues said the incidents expose the fragile health system, especially in rural and mountain areas.

According to the HCP and the World Health Organization, Morocco’s maternal mortality rate is 72 deaths per 100,000 live births — double the North African average, exceeding 100 deaths in remote regions.

Activists link the problem to chronic underfunding and a shortage of medical staff. Raja Hamine, coordinator of the Challenge for Equality and Citizenship Association, stated:

“Violence against women is a social illness. It’s not just anger or poverty — it’s a mechanism to maintain the image of the submissive woman. Violence is everywhere: in institutions, homes, streets, and screens. It’s evolving in form and creativity, making it harder to detect or report.”

She added that cases received by their listening centers have doubled in recent years, exceeding 1,000 cases annually, many from vulnerable social classes and across age groups — confirming that no group is spared.

Law 103.13: A Beautiful Text… but Limited Impact

Law 103.13 of 2018 was a milestone, criminalizing harassment, violence, and digital abuse while establishing support units in courts and hospitals. Yet, seven years later, despite government efforts, it has failed to ensure effective protection for women — remaining limited in scope and impact.

Raja Hamine emphasized:

“Laws mean little without real enforcement tools. A law without budget or judicial training is just ink on paper. What we need is a law born from reality — one that genuinely protects women.”

Her association continues advocacy meetings with political parties to revise the law and align it with international conventions for real, not symbolic protection.

Digital Violence and Social Stigma: The Second Trial

Digital spaces have become battlegrounds of hybrid wars — where online tools legitimize various forms of violence against women.

In Morocco, women face daily waves of online shaming, leaks, and cyberbullying. Despite laws criminalizing such acts, enforcement remains slow, leaving many women socially isolated, silenced by fear of scandal or retaliation.

Khadija Ahlil, president of the Union of Moroccan Women Association, noted:

“Social stigma is the second violence after assault. It kills morale and forces victims into silence. Many women don’t even report abuse for fear their stories will go viral.”

Thus, an image kills twice: once when leaked, and once when society judges its owner.

Fatal Violence: When Prevention Fails

In 2025, Morocco witnessed a series of horrific cases reflecting an alarming rise in lethal violence:

Settat (Oct 17, 2025): A man was arrested for killing and dismembering his wife, missing since May.

Casablanca (Oct 2025): A police officer shot a woman he knew, then attempted suicide.

Erfoud (Apr 2025): A teacher was fatally stabbed by a student in public.

Different as they are, these crimes reflect a systemic failure — not isolated incidents. They show that laws alone are insufficient without urgent intervention, social awareness, and active monitoring.

Khadija Ahlil commented:

“Many of these murders could have been prevented with rapid intervention or emergency protection. The delay between complaint and action costs lives.”

The New Generation of Activism

In September 2025, Morocco saw a wave of Gen Z-led protests demanding gender equality and justice. Despite digital and physical repression, the movement revived public debate on gender violence and shattered the silence surrounding victims.

The digital space became a double-edged sword — a platform for hate and defamation, but also one for resistance and solidarity, through hashtags like #Ma_Saktach (“I Won’t Stay Silent”) and #StopViolence, launched by activists and artists demanding accountability and dignity.

Gains in Awareness… Setbacks in Protection

Despite the grim picture, there are signs of progress:

Growing public awareness of women’s rights.

Expansion of listening and shelter centers (though underfunded).

Digital and grassroots initiatives providing survivors with economic alternatives.

Yet major challenges persist:

Insufficient funding for women’s organizations.

Slow legal processes.

Ongoing symbolic, media, and institutional violence.

Raja Hamine concluded:

“Combating violence is a collective responsibility — it requires engagement from government, society, and schools. The earlier awareness begins, the more likely future generations will reject violence and believe in equality.