Moroccan parties tailor programmes to attract women and youth

2007-09-03

In preparation for the September 7th legislative elections, political parties in Morocco have announced programmes targeting youth and women more than ever. Many parties seek to enhance public services for these sectors, in hopes of both securing their votes and aiding their integration into mainstream society.

By Sarah Touahri for Magharebia in Rabat – 03/09/2007

[Sarah Touahri] Political parties are targeting women and youth in their campaigns for the September 7th elections.

In recent weeks, political parties in Morocco have devoted much of their campaign time and agendas to young people and women. The post-election road maps the parties put forward make provisions to promote the status of women and to offer ways of helping young people reach their full potential.

Party of Progress and Socialism Secretary-General Ismail Alaoui said his party plans to address the needs of women and young people because they are still marginalised. He said motivating them and involving them in national life and politics will guarantee progress and justice for Morocco.

To young people the parties make the most assurances about employment, which features in every party's programme. Other youth proposals focus on daily life. The PPS, for example, places an emphasis on cultural activities for young people and expanding the network of cultural facilities such as museums, libraries, conservatories and theatres.

The Socialist Union of Popular Forces has put forward a number of measures, including a pledge to create a national information centre for young people. Access to the centre will be regulated by issuing special youth ID cards, granting discounts for public transportation both within Morocco and abroad and reduced-price entry to theatres, cinemas and holiday camps. Istiqlal has put forward similar proposals, promising to offer incentives and special rates for certain services young people use such as transportation, internal tourism, information, youth cinemas and health care. They also plan to give priority to local services over large-scale projects.

The Party for Justice and Development, meanwhile, believes young Moroccans deserve a dedicated state programme aimed at involving them fully in the socioeconomic and political development of the country. Their plans include raising membership in youth clubs among young people from 15.2% to 20%.

Pledges to improve the situation of women are as varied as those aimed at young people, but focus primarily on healthcare for mothers and sexual equality. Nabila Mounib of the Unified Socialist Party says political reforms must be undertaken to consolidate the progress already made, make sexual equality standard and improve women’s access to decision-making posts.

The USFP wants to set up a High Council for Equality, which will serve as a consulting body, a source of new proposals and a framework for institutionalising dialogue between all players including the state, political parties, women's groups and legal and employers’ associations.

Istiqlal has proposed measures including the creation of a family mutual aid fund to help divorced women and their children, and the mainstreaming of multipurpose centres to help women in rural areas.

The PJD is calling for efforts to tackle domestic violence and address all forms of exploitation of women and children. They have also pledged to curb illiteracy among women and to promote school enrolment among girls. Their other proposals include a commitment to protect women’s and family health and the adoption of an effective healthcare policy targeted at mothers and children.