In 2022, Morocco enacted significant reforms to its Moudawana, or Family Code, aiming to advance women's rights and modernize family structures. The changes, championed by King Mohammed VI, included raising the minimum age of marriage to 18 for both sexes, granting women greater rights in divorce and child custody, and equalizing inheritance rights in specific, limited cases.
However, nearly four years later, implementation remains a major challenge. Reports from human rights groups and legal associations indicate that many judges, particularly in rural areas, are reluctant to apply the new provisions, often defaulting to more conservative interpretations. The creation of new family courts, a key component of the reform, has also progressed slower than planned.
The reforms have faced opposition from conservative segments of society who view them as contradicting Islamic principles, especially regarding inheritance. Proponents argue that the changes are essential for social justice and economic development, aligning Moroccan law with its international human rights commitments. The ongoing tension highlights the complex balance between modernization and tradition in Moroccan society.
