Breaking down dichotomies in the narratives of women’s activism in Morocco

Abstract

This chapter looks at the historical and ideological split that is causing the division in women’s civil society in Morocco and the possibilities of moving beyond this division. The rights-based and faith-based organisations share many goals, such as women’s economic independence and political parity. Even the language to discuss these goals is often shared, mixing elements of human rights, Moroccan traditions and Islam. Many rights-based groups believe that despite these activities faith-based groups cannot be trusted. Hence women’s civil society in Morocco remains divided even on issues where all agree. Both faith-based and rights-based participants of this study have noted that the political parties they come from and are aligned with do not represent the women’s point of view. Joining forces on strategic issues would thus seem like a good step in mobilising greater forces for women’s political emancipation in Morocco.