MESA Banner
Political Economic Liberalization and the Politics of Women's Empowerment in Morocco
Abstract
How does political and economic liberalization impact working-class women? Based on author interviews with political activists and leaders, this study employs cross-historical analysis to assess how wielders of power in Morocco, namely the palace and its allies, have shaped the discourse on such reforms in Morocco. Examining the impact of neoliberal economic policies and measures of political liberalization on class- and gender-based inequalities, this paper will examine the plight of politically active working-class women in Morocco. Since Mohammed VI’s accession to the throne, women’s rights have consistently been framed within a discourse on political and economic liberalization. Pointing to various measures, such as the personal status code law reforms, the dominant political narrative describes Morocco as a "progressive" country with regard to the treatment of women. Decades of political reforms and neoliberal economic policies initiated under King Hassan II and deepened under the rule of Mohammed VI have had important consequences for the Moroccan working class, especially women. Within the past two years, working-class women have been at the forefront of social mobilization, participating in street politics and publicly expressing dissent, most notably with the self-immolation of single mother Fadoua Laroui and the suicide of Amina Filali, a young rape victim forced into a marriage with her rapist. Looking back on years of neoliberal economic policies, as well as the political liberalization measures King Mohammed VI instituted, working-class women in Morocco remain marginalized. This paper builds upon literature on the political economy of gender relations, state feminism, and incorporates interviews conducted with Moroccan women activists that addresses their involvement with the February 20 Movement, which emerged in the wake of the Arab Uprisings, the obstacles they have faced, and the ways in which they identify themselves. The findings of this paper contribute to our broader theoretical understanding of the relationship between economic and political liberalization and women’s rights. Specifically, by underscoring the negative impact of liberalization on working class women, the paper attenuates dominant theoretical perspectives that view political and economic liberalization as primary vehicles for women’s empowerment in the Arab World.
Discipline
Political Science
Geographic Area
Morocco
Sub Area
Political Economy