New Family Code Boosts Women's Rights

In Morocco, a new family code was adopted in 2004, known as the Moudawana, aimed at modernizing family laws and granting greater rights to women. The previous code, established in the 1950s, was widely criticized for its patriarchal nature and discriminatory practices against women. The Moudawana brought significant changes to the legal status of women within the family. It raised the minimum age of marriage to 18 for both genders, granted women the right to initiate divorce under specific circumstances, and gave mothers more authority in child custody cases. Additionally, it required men to justify polygamous marriages and introduced new provisions to protect women's financial rights in marriage. This reform was a milestone in promoting gender equality and women's empowerment in Morocco. It sparked nationwide discussions on women's rights and highlighted the importance of legal reforms in addressing gender disparities. The Moudawana not only enhanced women's rights within the family but also contributed to a broader societal shift towards gender equality and women's empowerment. The adoption of the Moudawana symbolizes Morocco's commitment to advancing women's rights and promoting gender equality. It reflects a progressive approach towards legal reforms and societal transformation, emphasizing the importance of ensuring equal rights and opportunities for all citizens. #Moudawana #Morocco #GenderEquality #WomenEmpowerment #LegalReform