By Abdellatif Ouahbi
Ever since the values of modernity and freedom started gaining momentum among nations worldwide, the subject of women prevailed as a main criterion for measuring progress, development and prosperity, for women’s social and economic status is a true reflection of society as a whole, with the potential to promote both justice and equality.
The questions on Women’s status with regard to education, freedom and equality, have been set up as fundamental causes that determine trends within any given society, while providing a proper historical context vis-à-vis the politics at hand, despite the differential approach between those who consider all social forces to be equal, and those who still question the paramount importance of such choices, thus reproducing the same old obstacles that stand in the way of achieving an advanced level of prosperity as we all aspire.
Upon Morocco’s independence, huge efforts were made to ensure the improvement of women’s status, for the latter has always been considered to be one of the pillars towards building a modern state.
Moroccan women have engaged in a series of struggles to reach the proper edification amount, and have played a leading role in achieving economic, social and cultural development within Morocco’s society, for the latter has been suffering greatly from a set of restrictions and constraints that tend to jeopardize the path to a new “renaissance”.
Over the past decades, the subject of women has been present at the heart of civil society’s concerns, which helped promote a sense for social awareness amongst all Moroccans with regard to the importance of gender equality, in the prospect of establishing a better future for our country to overcome the historical backwardness hindering its development.
There is no doubt that ever since its creation, PAM was and still is a significant part of the societal dynamic with an advocacy for equality, justice and freedom within our society. Our party (PAM) joined – since its early days – the political forces aspiring for a society in which democracy, modernity, social justice and equality prevail, thus granting women an equal status to that of men, in terms of rights and duties.
Therefore, we – as a democratic and modernist party – stand in support of all the battles waged by Moroccan women through their respective associations, from within civil society and political institutions.
Observations stipulate that despite its relatively “fresh composition”, PAM has always pled for the improvement of women’s rights in Morocco, by prompting female militants into fully assuming their respective duties within the party structures, thus contributing to PAM’s strong representation at the political, economic and cultural levels, as well as leading the party’s frontline in several political battles.
Today, it is safe to say that PAM is proud of the significant contributions brought upon by its female militants as part of the party’s democratic path. PAM’s female militants have managed to mark their presence in a number of local, regional and national institutions, thus playing leading roles in ensuring economic and social development, as their unconditioned contributions to the promotion of modern values and human rights have proven to be effective and decisive.
The path to the consecration and consolidation of human rights in Morocco is without a doubt a long and complex process; however, the Authenticity and Modernity Party, is fully aware of its respective responsibilities as well as the work that is yet to be conducted to improve the status of women within the party in particular, and society in general.
We are keen on developing our societal approach in order to contribute to the ongoing consolidation process, and raise political awareness among Moroccan citizens with regard to the importance of gender equality, for our party only joined the political struggle to defend women’s rights and build a better future for all Moroccans.
In conclusion, our party would like to pay a vibrant tribute to Moroccan women in general, and PAM female militants in particular, for standing their ground on various fronts, including fields, farms, factories, schools, businesses, administrations and other institutions.
We hereby engage in the noble fight waged by all Moroccan women in the prospect of achieving freedom and prosperity, as well as building a future where optimism, hope and progress prevail.