Post 2011 Legal Reforms in Morocco: What Place for Women Victims of Gender Violence? CSW59

A panel presentation of the Spring of Dignity Coalition, given by L’Association Démocratique des Femmes du Maroc (ADFM), will be sponsored by UN Women, and will be a parallel event to the 59th Session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), 2015. The panel objective is to influence the Moroccan government's submission to its "Beijing +20” report by analyzing the way violence against women is addressed in national legal framework, and by identifying gaps and limitations with regards to punishment, protection, and prevention of gender based violence.

In Morocco, violence against women, though widespread, is often overlooked because of social acceptance, weak victim protection, limitations of legal and political systems, and lack of prevention mechanisms, all factors which contribute to impunity of perpetrators. A recent survey revealed that 62.8% of women have been victims of violence during the previous 12 months, with violence causing physical and psychological health challenges, and also having negative economic impact through lost work hours, medical expenses, etc.

The Spring of Dignity Coalition comprises 25 Moroccan organizations that promote and defend women’s human rights both regionally and nationally. The Coalition works to combat violence against women and advocates for reforms that repeal all discriminatory regulations and policies, in accordance with the Preamble and Article 19 of the constitution, and with Morocco’s international commitments.