Conference in Rabat, Morocco: Women's Access to Justice

ARPA-KAS

Watch this space for more soon - and check out the report of Morocco World News on the conference here.

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The difficulties women face in North African countries accessing justice are manifold. While every country is unique, with different laws and customs, all share similar challenges and difficulties. Many are taking very specific steps to improve the situation. But alongside this, many questions remain.

How exactly, if at all, do the laws certify equality of men and women, how are customs different to these laws? What are the differences between rural and urban areas, how does the police deal with household violence, for example, how do the courts? What inequality presents itself when dealing with marriages, divorces, inheritance or general financial questions? How does this apply to the rule of law – and how can we strengthen the process of equality and the access to justice for women?

As much as the countries share certain challenges and difficulties, they most definitely can share concrete solutions and best practises, working together on solving the issues. We need more equality in the region!

It was therefore important to us as the KAS Rule of Law Programme Middle East & North Africa to bring together legal experts from all over the region, to discuss the challenges and possible solutions, further steps and most importantly, to connect: to strengthen and improve women’s access to justice together. Over 100 participants from 7 countries were present with us in Rabat to discuss this important topic.

As the KAS Rule of Law Programme Middle East & North Africa we’d like to thank our partners for this wonderful collaboration: ARPA, the Moroccan National Human Rights Council and the Mohammed V University in Rabat – and all the attendees, who made it such a valuable and fruitful experience, something we hope everyone can build on. Thank you!