With a tapestry of diverse cultures, ancient traditions and modern aspirations, Morocco exhibits a complex societal landscape. The country has been treading a transformative path, albeit one marked by challenges rooted in traditional ideologies and systemic constraints. A notable improvement is the urban infrastructure being revamped to cater to the mobility needs of its burgeoning urban populace, with Marrakesh pioneering initiatives to enhance accessibility.
On the other hand, not all societal facets mirror this progressive narrative. The LGBTQ+ community, for instance, finds itself navigating a labyrinth of legal and cultural hurdles, further exacerbated by the largely unfavourable societal outlook. The dissonance between the progressive strides in some domains and the existing prejudices in others presents a nuanced narrative. As Morocco continues its journey towards fostering a more inclusive society, there unfolds a dichotomy of progress and prejudice, acceptance and aversion, painting a vivid picture of a country at the crossroads of tradition and modernity.
Accessibility in Morocco
According to a UNDP report, Morocco is home to around 728,000 individuals with disabilities, constituting 5.5 percent of the population. These individuals often face barriers to public services and social participation, discrimination and societal stigmatisation. To address these issues, Morocco has initiated various measures, such as harmonising the legal framework, standardising sign language, digitising the disability certification process and actively monitoring progress in accessibility. These efforts aim to foster an inclusive environment for both citizens and expats.
Morocco has focused on enhancing infrastructure in the urban transport sector, especially considering that 60 percent of the population resides in urban areas. With the support of the World Bank and a grant from the Japanese government, the Programme-for-Results Urban Transport Programme is working to connect people, particularly those with limited mobility, to job and economic opportunities.
Marrakesh has led the way, piloting an initiative to improve urban accessibility infrastructure. The Marrakesh model is being adopted by other cities planning substantial public transport infrastructure projects, which is crucial for meeting the sharp rise in urban mobility demand.
Organisations like Humanity & Inclusion (HI) have actively promoted the inclusion of people with disabilities into broader Moroccan society since 1993. With these initiatives, Morocco is working towards creating an environment that is more accommodating, understanding and supportive of diverse needs and challenges, making the country an appealing destination for those looking to reside or work there.
Further reading
UNDP: Morocco's Commitment to Support Persons with Disabilities
Humanity & Inclusion's Work in Morocco
LGBTQ+ in Morocco
Morocco's rich history and breathtaking landscapes have made it an attractive destination for many expats, but for the LGBTQ+ community, living there can present significant challenges. Same-sex sexual activity is deemed illegal under Article 489 of the Penal Code in Morocco, and it can be punishable with up to three years of imprisonment and substantial fines.
The Moroccan government has made its stance clear that preserving conventional values and cultural heritage is a priority over LGBTQ+ rights. Schools are mandated to educate about the perceived dangers of 'unnatural acts', and no political party in the country openly supports LGBTQ+ rights. Moreover, Morocco has resisted global LGBTQ+ initiatives. These legal and cultural barriers make it a challenging environment for the LGBTQ+ community.
On the societal front, Moroccan public opinion is majorly unfavourable towards LGBTQ+ rights, with only 21 percent considering homosexuality acceptable as of 2019. This disapproving sentiment has occasionally led to public arrests, further reinforcing the country's anti-LGBTQ+ laws. Instances of violent assaults, such as the 2022 attack on a trans woman in Tangier, further underscore the risks.
There has been a trend in the government exercising anti-LGBTQ+ laws less diligently than in the past. Moroccan authors such as Abdellah Taïa and Rachid O. have penned works discussing gender roles and sexual identity in Morocco, albeit while residing abroad. The discreetly distributed magazine Mithly provides a modicum of representation for the gay community, and the LGBTQ+ rights organisation Kif-Kif has even been allowed to collaborate on educational seminars.
Advocacy does exist, with organisations like Kif-Kif and Nassawiyat championing LGBTQ+ rights, but formidable challenges remain. Until a significant shift in legal frameworks and societal attitudes, Morocco remains a difficult terrain for the LGBTQ+ community. Therefore, awareness, understanding and careful consideration of these challenges are essential for LGBTQ+ expats considering a move to Morocco.
Further reading
IGLTA's LGBTQ+ Travel Guide to Morocco
Equaldex: Morocco LGBTQ+ Rights Overview
HRF Report on LGBT Community Pressure in Morocco
Gender equality in Morocco
Morocco has been making strides towards achieving gender equality. Though this journey is filled with challenges, it is a testament to the country's commitment to uplifting its women. Expats considering a move to Morocco might be heartened by the progress while acknowledging that there's much ground to cover.
The 2021 elections saw women taking the helm in three major Moroccan cities and several key governmental roles. In the same year, the Moroccan Parliament introduced a groundbreaking reform mandating a quota for women on the boards of publicly traded companies.
The 2011 Moroccan Constitution, promising equal rights for men and women, has not fully translated into practice. Deep-seated conservative ideologies and gender biases persist, creating obstacles in realising the Constitution's progressive vision. For instance, while legal safeguards against practices like rape-marriage allowances and male guardian requirements exist, loopholes remain, allowing instances like judicially sanctioned forced marriages.
Socially, the situation is complex as well. Moroccan women, empowered by increasing access to education, continue to face exclusion from the workforce despite qualifications for well-paying positions. Factors such as family opposition and domestic responsibilities play a significant role, necessitating a comprehensive approach to address these issues.
Morocco's pursuit of gender equality, while promising, remains a work in progress, with efforts spanning from top-tier policy changes to grassroots initiatives. For expats contemplating life in Morocco, it offers an evolving landscape of opportunities and challenges where women's role is increasingly central to the country's narrative. Organisations like Mobilising for Rights Associates (MRA), based in Rabat, continue to advocate for women's rights, contributing to this ongoing journey towards equality.
Further reading
World Bank on Women's Leadership in Morocco
UN Women's Data on Morocco
MRA Women's Organisation in Morocco
Women in leadership in Morocco
The subject of women in leadership in Morocco is complex and continuously evolving, reflecting the country's broader commitment to gender equality and diversity. In 2021, the Moroccan Parliament adopted a law mandating a minimum of 30 percent female representation on boards of publicly traded companies by 2024, rising to 40 percent by 2027. This move makes Morocco the first in the MENA region to enact such legislation, signalling a willingness to build confidence in women's qualifications and stimulate economic growth.
The recent appointment of seven women to key government positions, including the first Moroccan woman Minister of Finance, also reflects this shift. However, women still account for only 23 percent of the working population as of 2020, indicating that significant gender inequalities persist.
Moroccan women outperform men in education, constituting 55 percent of high school graduates and higher proportions in tertiary education. However, the country ranked 148th out of 156 on the World Economic Forum's Gender Gap Index for economic participation and opportunity in 2021. Despite educational achievements, only 13 percent of Moroccan businesses were led by women in 2019, and women made up only 23 percent of managers in the public sector.
On a positive note, initiatives like the "Women in Leadership" programme launched by two major Moroccan universities aim to reduce barriers to development and support women's abilities to break the glass ceiling. The entrepreneurial spirit of Moroccan women is also being recognised and supported. Seven Moroccan women were featured in Forbes 100's most successful businesswomen in the Middle East.
Further reading
EIB Stories on Coaching Moroccan Women
UN Women Annual Report 2020: Brief on Morocco (PDF)
Mental health awareness in Morocco
Mental health awareness and support in Morocco have become increasingly prominent, as the Moroccan Ministry of Health and various non-governmental organisations are working to address mental health issues. Significant challenges persist, including a shortage of medical staff and inadequate mental health hospitals and facilities. The situation is worsened by the meagre 6 percent of resources allocated to mental health programs in the country.
Despite facing challenges such as insufficient financing, human capital and infrastructure, efforts are being made to challenge the stigma and discrimination against those with mental disorders. National campaigns like the second national campaign against the stigmatisation of mental health disorders, helplines, remote services and psychosocial support campaigns have been initiated, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Progress is being made through collaboration between state and non-state actors, demonstrating the possibility of maintaining and scaling up mental health services. A 2017 case study showed the effectiveness of peer therapy, and the government, in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), is actively working on implementing new hospitals, clinics and therapy methods.
Mental health awareness in Morocco is an evolving landscape with significant challenges and notable progress. For expats considering a move to Morocco, understanding the country's mental health landscape and staying informed about ongoing reforms and available support systems is essential.
Further reading
The Borgen Project on Mental Health in Morocco
Find a Helpline: Morocco Page
Unconscious bias training in Morocco
Unconscious bias training is not as widespread in Morocco as other inclusivity initiatives, although some international organisations in Morocco do emphasise the value of diversity and inclusion training. Such training addresses the hidden prejudices that may influence recruitment, promotion and team dynamics, often as part of a broader strategy.
Professional firms specialising in diversity and inclusion often facilitate unconscious bias training, employing various methodologies ranging from interactive workshops to online courses tailored to the organisation's needs and cultural context. Companies investing in this training find that it enhances awareness and leads to more equitable practices and a positive company culture.
The push for unconscious bias training acknowledges the rich tapestry of cultures and backgrounds that form our business environments. This forward-thinking approach allows organisations to unlock their diverse workforce's full potential, fostering innovation and driving growth in an increasingly interconnected world.
Further reading
Harvard's Implicit Bias Test
Nonprofit Ready: Unconscious Bias Training
Diversification of the workforce in Morocco
Morocco's workforce is experiencing growth in GDP per capita, but it also faces challenges such as low-quality jobs, limited protection mechanisms and difficulty in including women and youth. Female labour force participation is as low as 23 percent, and informal employment is dominant.
While the slow population growth is decreasing the dependency ratio, it's also exerting pressure on the economy to create enough jobs for those entering the labour market. However, opportunities are emerging to enhance the labour market through increased transparency, regulation flexibility and reduced entry barriers.
The Government of Morocco has addressed these challenges by implementing strategies like the National Agency for the Promotion of Employment and Skills (ANAPEC) 2020 Vision and programs such as Idmaj, Te'hil and Moukawalati.
These initiatives target youth integration, employment increase and microenterprise promotion, and they are supported by sectoral plans like Morocco's Global Jobs and Moroccan Green Plan. The World Bank recommends further integration of support policies, investment in infrastructure and human capital development to foster job creation.
Furthermore, Morocco's Ministry of Economic Inclusion, Small Business, Employment and Skills is developing and implementing labour and employment strategies. This includes contributing to vocational training, small business growth and self-entrepreneurship, and managing regulatory migration flows for work purposes. Efforts to boost social dialogue, settle labour disputes and promote international cooperation reflect Morocco's dedication to diversifying and improving its workforce.
Further reading
World Bank Report on the Labour Market in Morocco
MIEPEEC's Missions and Objectives in Morocco
Safety in Morocco
Safety in Morocco, especially for expats, brings some degree of concern due to the potential threat of terrorist attacks. Tourist locations, markets, shopping malls and government facilities are sometimes targeted, leading to increased security measures in these areas. Moroccan authorities are vigilant in regularly disrupting terrorist cells, but the risk remains.
In addition, the political climate in Morocco can lead to unrest, with protests sometimes escalating into isolated violence. Expats should avoid political gatherings and demonstrations. Furthermore, crime in Morocco ranges from petty offences like pickpocketing and bag snatching to more serious criminal activities in major cities and tourist areas. Transport in Morocco is generally safe, but theft on public transport can occur, so vigilance is advised.
Alongside the risks of terrorism and crime, there are other concerns in Morocco that expats must be aware of. Although no recent kidnappings of foreign nationals have occurred, the threat still exists, especially in remote desert areas and border regions. Those working in sectors like tourism, humanitarian aid, journalism or business should remain cautious, as they could be considered potential targets.
Despite these challenges, Morocco is still generally considered a safe country to visit. The overall risk of mugging and kidnapping is low, and many issues can be avoided with common sense and awareness of the surroundings.
Expats and tourists should respect Islamic culture and customs, and women, in particular, should be cautious due to reports of harassment when alone. Vigilance in quiet and poorly lit areas is advised, and solo outings at night should be avoided. Being mindful of high-risk scams and politely refusing unsolicited offers from those posing as tourist guides can further contribute to a secure stay or travel experience in Morocco.
Further reading
US State Department's Morocco Travel Advisory
UK Foreign Travel Advice for Morocco
Travel Safe Abroad's Morocco Guide
Calendar initiatives in Morocco
- 8 March: International Women's Day
- 21 March: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
- May: National Diversity Month
- 26 June: International Day in Support of Victims of Torture
- 30 July: World Day Against Trafficking in Persons
- 10 December: Human Rights Day
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