Background 

Following the adoption of the 2011 constitution, Morocco launched a series of reforms aimed at promoting greater transparency and accountability in public policies. Despite these initiatives, corruption rates in Morocco have not decreased, but stagnated. The lack of integration of civil society, particularly in Morocco’s 12 regions, and citizens in general through participatory governance of anti-corruption policies, means that public authorities lack effective support in this critical area.

Programme objectives 

Funded by the European Union (EU), and implemented in collaboration with the European Partnership for Democracy (EPD) and Impact for Development (IFD), this programme strengthens the capacity of civil society organisations (CSOs) in advocacy, monitoring, and evaluation of public policies for transparency and anti-corruption in Morocco. The programme is implemented in co-operation with public authorities and independent institutions, in particular Parliament.

Background

The 2011 Constitution considerably increased opportunities for citizens to participate in public life. However, opportunities for citizens to exercise their new constitutional rights through engagement with parliament remain limited. Civil society organisations (CSOs) working on citizens’ concerns, issues, and requests are well-placed to facilitate dialogue between parliament and citizens, but they often lack themeans and knowledge ofparliamentary processes to do so effectively.

Programme objectives 

Democracy is fundamentally about engaging people in the decisions that impact on their lives. Supported by the Shiraka Fund under the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this programme supports inclusion and public participation in policy making process in Morocco. This is achieved by enhancing links between CSOs and parliament, as well as increasing their capabilities to work together on advancing key policy issues. In addition to leading to better policy outcomes, such engagement strengthens trust in parliament as a democratic institution

Background

In Morocco, women's voices in political affairs are under-represented; even when elected, parliamentary practices are structured in such a way as to prevent women MPs from gaining influence. Electoral regulations impose reserved seats for a single term, while parliamentary communications and outreach generally focus on plenary sessions, where male MPs are much more visible. This overshadows the in-depth and detailed work undertaken by committees and working groups where women have more opportunities and are more active. The Thematic Working Group on Equality and Equity, established in 2011 to undertake studies and evaluate laws and policies from a gender perspective, provides a platform for women MPs to make meaningful contributions. However, as an ad-hoc committee, it has no oversight or legislative function, which limits its role and impact

Programme objectives 

Women’s equal representation and participation in politics and public life is essential in a democracy. Women’s political leadership results in better outcomes for women and girls, as well as for the whole of society. This programme works to advance women's political participation and leadership in Morocco by working with the Parliament of Morocco. The programme offers training to women MPs to help build their skills, facilitates peer-to-peer learning exchange schemes with other MPs from around the world, and supports the Thematic Working Group on Parity and Equity to develop its workplan. This 12-month long project is funded by Global Affairs Canada under the Canadian Fund for Local Initiatives managed by the Canadian Embassy in Rabat.

Find out more about our Strengthening Women's Role in Political Decision-Making within Parliament programme

Background 

In the Middle East and North Africa region, it is estimated that 35% of women experience some form of violence. Contributing factors that allow this norm to prevail include a lack of legislation that criminalises domestic violence, limited protection for women inside their homes, as well as a justice and a court system ill prepared to prosecute perpetrators and protect victims. Legislatures can play a crucial role in establishing a legal environment that protects women.

Programme objectives

WFD supports women’s political participation and leadership so they can influence decision-making and bring about positive change. From 2012, WFD’s support to women MPs across the Middle East and North Africa has focused on effective leadership and encouraging women MPs to use their political influence for legislative change that eradicates discrimination against women and girls in the region.

Find out more about this programme