Equal inheritance still struggle in Morocco
While Tunisia gears up to become the first country in North Africa to achieve inheritance equality between men and women, the issue still stirs a nationwide controversy in Morocco.
CASABLANCA, Morocco — Though Morocco has made some progress on the women's rights front, the subject of equal inheritance apparently has very little support from the general public. Nonetheless, the topic recently was raised before Morocco’s coalition government, headed by the Islamist Party of Justice and Development.
The Party of Progress and Socialism issued a statement Dec. 10, Human Rights Day, calling for equality in inheritance. This follows several efforts outside the legislature to raise awareness of the issue. In March, public personalities signed a petition seeking equal inheritance for women.
But the patriarchy is strong in Morocco.
In March, author Asmaa Lamrabet was forced to resign from the Rabita Mohammedia des Oulemas (Mohammadia League of Scholars), under pressure from other members for opposing inheritance discrimination against women. The league, one of the most influential religious organizations in Morocco, is empowered to promote Sharia, its values, teachings, preaching and respect for the principles of moderation.
