Thematic Working Group on Equality and Parity Takes Part in First Parliamentary Forum on Women Empowerment and Participation in Political Life

The Chair of the Thematic Working Group on Equality and Parity Fatima Zahra Nazih and the Group member Khadija Ziyani took part in the First Parliamentary Forum on Women Empowerment and Participation in Political Life in Morocco, Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador. The Forum took place via videoconference on Wednesday, February 24, 2021, in cooperation between Morocco’s Embassy in Peru and Bolivia and the network “Politics is for Women too.”

In his address on this occasion, Ambassador of Morocco to Peru and Bolivia Amin Chaoudri stated that the Forum intends to exchange expertise and come up with proposals to address the challenges that hinder women's empowerment and the defense of their rights. The Ambassador also highlighted the efforts of the Kingdom of Morocco under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI to advance the participation of women in political life, considering them as a fundamental pillar in society.

The participants from the Parliaments of Bolivia, Peru, and Ecuador shed light on the experiences and challenges women face in these countries, particularly regarding protecting women and girls and increasing women’s representation in political institutions and decision-making positions.

In her statement, Chair of the Thematic Working Group on Equality and Parity Fatima Zahra Nazih gave a presentation on the Moroccan experience in women's participation in political life over the past ten years. She also stressed that promoting women's rights and disseminating the culture and values of equality and parity is an imperative step to all Moroccan society's strata, including the Government, political parties, non-governmental organizations, or civil society.

For her part, Ms. Khadija Ziyani stressed in her statement that the Moroccan parliamentary experience is rich and constitutes a fertile research ground. In this respect, women parliamentarians have demonstrated their competence and participated actively in debates on legislative affairs, public policy evaluation, and parliamentary diplomacy. The deputy also noted that the accession to the international conventions on equality and parity reflects Morocco's societal dynamism and genuine desire to empower women and promote their participation in the various aspects of daily life in our country.