Thanks to a real will for reform, slowly but surely progress is being made regarding the expansion of women's rights. Even though the country passed a new constitution three years ago guaranteeing gender inequality, Moroccan women claim that equality has yet to be fully enforced as much of the old laws remain untouched. Claims have been made that changes have not been fully carried out mainly because some judges have been finding ways around the law or remain unfamiliar with the new amendments. Many believe that this kind of change will not possible in Morocco unless the king steps in and lays down the law. If it is possible, studies show that it could take up to 30 years before society begins to be pushed in a different direction.
Some of the most controversial issues have risen from conflicts regarding marriage and household relevance. As part of the amendments, the minimum age of marriage for women was increased from 15 to 18. Since then, judges have apparently granted permission for the marriage of minors in approximately 90% of cases as many families in rural areas are eager to have their daughters marry much earlier. A decade ago, Morocco adopted a family code which stated that male relatives receive double the inheritance of women. Enforcement of this law brought several consequences because the death of a male "head of the house" caused many families to disintegrate.
Since any women are now becoming the ones who provide for the family (or at least contribute in a significant manner), laws will continue to be altered to expand women's rights in the future.
Website: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/17/world/africa/gender-inequality-in-morocco-continues-despite-amendments-to-family-law.html?_r=0
These laws look like they are going to try and do some good for the women but it remains to be seen how effective these laws will be if at all. Hopefully more reforms will continue to happen as women gain more power in their society and in their families. Maybe if these reforms take hold and really begin to work, maybe they can influence other Arab countries to begin the reform process as well.
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