Morocco's women

In February 2004, the King of Morocco Mohammed VI passed the family code of Morocco. The so-called "Moudawana" grants extended rights to the woman as a citizen and raises her status within the family.

In the same year, the king dismantled his harem and married the academic Salma Bennani. Bennani is young, educated and self-assured. She is an icon for Morocco's women and a source of pride for the king.

"My forefather, the Prophet Mohammed, said that men and women are equal before the law," the king quoted from the Koran in reference to his process of modernization. This perception has done a lot to help Morocco's women decide between family and work. It has become easier for women to choose a career and to see it through.

Career options for women

At present, there are more women than men studying at Morocco's universities. The opportunities for finding the right job after they finish studying have increased.

"Women are well-equipped to contribute to the country's economy," said Iraqui Bouuthayna, head of the Moroccan Association of Women Entrepreneurs (AFEM). "They can even start their own businesses." The organization was set up specifically to strengthen women's participation in the Moroccan economy.

The textile industry, for example, is a flourishing branch of the Moroccan economy that offers plenty of job opportunities for women. However, the industry is being threatened by the strength of the Asian market and currently still offers workers fairly poor working conditions and low pay.

Call centers are the new industry luring young talent, offering both better working conditions and pay. It is also one of the areas where women instinctively do better than men, said Rifki Bouchra, an entrepreneur who founded the company "Orange.com."

In the communications industry, a lot depended on distinct pronunciation, being approachable and having the ability to sound natural, Bouchra said. Women were generally better at using their voices; with the men, you could hear that they have just learnt the text by heart.

Traditional values

There are also many women representing the opposite opinion. Their credo: in Moroccan society, women should not work. However, this is often easier said than done. Many women have to work to contribute to the family's income.

"I didn't want to go to work, but I had to," said Hadja Zohour, who sells pancakes. "Only that way could I send my children to school and afford the pilgrimage to Mecca. I think women should stay at home if they can. A woman who works is a disgrace."

Zohour is not alone in thinking this way. Emancipated, reformist Moroccan groups of women have their counter movements advocating a strict Islam and a return to traditions. They want an end to women's emancipation.

Worth the fight

Change brings about new challenges. For some, it is a new beginning; for others, it is the end of old familiar ways. A recent poll showed that 24 percent of Moroccan males don't want women to work. But 74 percent support the idea.

It's a battle between tradition and modernity. Economic statistics show that it is worth fighting.

"This is part of the battle," said Nadira Barkallil, an economics graduate. "Let's hope we rise to the occasion."

Authors: Nadia Chakroune/Mireille Dronne
Editor: Sabina Casagrande