Morocco

Introduction

In response to the protests of the Arab Spring, the King of Morocco introduced a new constitution in 2011. The new constitution strengthens the parliament’s legislative role and establishes the principle of gender equality. Both Houses of Parliament – the House of Councillors (Upper House) and House of Representatives (Lower House) – have developed Strategic Plans, setting out a roadmap to enact their new powers as set out in the constitution. Since 2011, WFD has been working with the Parliament to deliver on these commitments.

In June 2021, WFD signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a new five-year partnership agreement with the Morocco House of Representatives. The MoU provides the framework for continuing the collaboration between the two institutions and building on accomplishments from previous programmes. In December 2021, WFD held a hybrid meeting with the new speaker of the Upper House to discuss the key achievements between the two institutions and next steps.

Our programmes

Helping combat violence against women in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA)

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

Completed programmes

CSSF Morocco - Supporting Open and Inclusive Democratic Institutions

Parliaments hold governments and decision makers to account. This CSSF-funded programme in Morocco built on the long-standing partnership between WFD and the Parliament of Morocco to promote openness, transparency, citizen engagement, and empowerment of women MPs. WFD trained MPs and parliamentary staff to strengthen the effectiveness of committees and the quality of the laws they produce. WFD, through the programme, also set out to make the Moroccan Parliament more representative and more effective in holding the government to account.

Status

Completed

Start date

April 2019

Planned end date

March 2021

Increasing engagement between the Moroccan Parliament and civil society

Supported by the Shiraka Fund under the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this programme supported inclusion and public participation in policy making process in Morocco. This was achieved by enhancing links between Civil society organisations (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 strengthened trust in parliament as a democratic institution.

Status

Completed

Start date

April 2019

Planned end date

March 2022

More completed programmes

Strengthening the role of civil society in the promotion of transparency (2021 - 2023)

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 strengthened the capacity of civil society organisations (CSOs) in advocacy, monitoring, and evaluation of public policies for transparency and anti-corruption in Morocco. The programme was implemented in co-operation with public authorities and independent institutions, in particular Parliament.

Strengthening Women's Role in Political Decision-Making within Parliament (Jan 2022 – Dec 2022)

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 had 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 worked to advance women's political participation and leadership in Morocco by working with the Parliament of Morocco. The programme offered 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 was funded by Global Affairs Canada under the Canadian Fund for Local Initiatives managed by the Canadian Embassy in Rabat.

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

Key Results

Strengthened legislative oversight

WFD supported the House of Representatives to adopt the First Public Policy Evaluation (PPE) guide in the Arab region. The Parliament also enhanced its role in Post-Legislative Scrutiny to facilitate the process of evaluating and adopting laws.

Strengthened the financial oversight function of the Parliament

Established the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in 2015, the first of its kind in the region. The first report of the PAC into fuel subsidies resulted in a successful policy change .

Improved communication in the Parliament

WFD worked with the House of Representatives to reform its Oral Question System, which resulted in a more interactive debate between MPs and the relevant Ministers. The Parliament also modified its communication and its practices thanks to trainings in video production and use of social media making the HoR more inclusive and involving various stakeholders in decision-making .

Enhanced gender representation

The HoR implemented new articles to reinforce the role of women in the Parliament: at least one third of key roles in the HoR are reserved for women. The Working Group on Parity & Equity, with support from WFD, was instrumental in this success. WFD also supported the adoption of a code of conduct to set standards of behaviour for MPs and supported in introducing the first women MPs’ working group for reform.

Enhanced Parliamentary openness

With support from WFD, the HoR broadcasted committee meetings live and renovated their website allowing for more opportunities for citizen engagement.

Promoted accountable governance

The HoR joined Open Government Partnership in August 2019 as the first Parliament in the Arab region to be a member.

Increased Youth engagement

Increased youth engagement through a fellowship programme involving PhD students in the parliament and creation of a section dedicated to the youth on the HoR