Introduction
Morocco is an Arab Muslim country to the north of Africa where Islam is the dominant religion. Its Legislative laws are closely linked to shari’a law where under such settings women have often been regarded as the weaker sex hence being denied their right to equality. Before the redressing of 2003 women were generally considered as being under the dominion of men. To start with, each woman had to have a tutor (wali) until after marriage. In this case, the tutor had the power to dictate when the girl got married, to who and the amount to be given as bride price. In addition, education in morocco had been generally exclusive to women; a case which the nation has been pursuing to change ever since independence. However, poverty, the conservative nature of the society, and the lack of political will on the part of the leaders have greatly dragged this process. During the year 1952, for every five male students, there was one female student. This stunning ratio has been bridged over the years even though illiteracy in the rural areas has remained a great challenge to be overcome. According to a study carried out in 2005 the number of girls receiving schooling increased by 25 times as compared to that of 1956. This is the case due to the extensive campaigns carried out in the rural areas as from 1997; based on which also the number of children born in families has decreased. Further, it can be argued that this is the case due to the use of contraceptives and the implementation of family planning methods. Additionally, the traditional housewife model is slowly being replaced by that of a working woman; one who is no longer regarded as a baby-making machine. Further, marriage has been postponed for both sexes all in the pursuit of Education and work. In addition, professionalism is catching on under these settings in that the youth opt for education to higher levels as opposed to early marriages. In addition to this, women have been mobilized into politics, associations, and campaigns which have resulted in a change in the opinions and laws regarding gender equality. The government has also taken long strides in ensuring that the laws limiting women’s rights have been changed. This change from a reluctant government to one at the forefront in gender issues has been provided for by the demonstrations staged by women groups. This essay, therefore, seeks to demonstrate the changes in inequality for women, the obstacles facing equality promotion, and the benefits of equality.
Main Body
The trend of marriage postponement within the Western culture is not new. However, the surprising issue is that the same trend is catching on within the Islamic societies. According to a survey carried out in the year 1999, women got married at 27 and men at 31 which is a dynamic change far from the initial trend of early marriages as early as 14. Further, the Legislative laws are greatly based on Shari’a law which places women in an inferior position as compared to men and change is considered as a deviation from the law’s demands. This change observable here comes as a surprise since it is against the power of parents (fathers/ male relatives) to give their daughters for marriage and also choose who they should marry. Under this regard its has been worth noting to me that women no longer need to be supplicated under the shadows of men, and that they deserve to be given opportunities in leadership similar to those given to men. Additionally, they hold important positions in life which need to be acknowledged.
This article has changed my opinion regarding women’s rights to have authority within the family. It is also common knowledge that men have through the ages been in control of families, politics, business and every other field in general. However, the abilities of women have well been felt within society. This difference in leadership positions can be attributed to chauvinism and the opportunities denied to them in the past. However, women have proved their worth in all parts of the world as strong and capable of handling any task whatsoever. As a demonstration here, women organizations have united and rallied support for the change of the Family Code which served the interest of the multitudes. Based on this case, it can be argued that for the fact that women can bring such positive changes into society; it is not only fair for them to have the same authority in the places they call home but also vital.
My perspective has been that men have better abilities as compared to women when it comes to leadership. However, this opinion has faced a rapid shift due to the revealed success cases realized from the efforts of women. Further, most leaders in lofty positions are there for the power and money; contrary to the genuine care demonstrated by women regarding the welfare of the community as demonstrated by their avocations for the rights of the weak in the society like the abandoned children, single women, prostitutes and those suffering from AIDS. This stands as a witness to their caring nature as Carol Gilligan a writer expresses that a woman’s responsibility and caring tendency towards others makes her not only fight passionately for their right but also those of others. Further, based on the caring characteristics of women it is clear that there is no better qualification for leadership as according to Friedan an American writer of the feminine mystique, 1963; women need to be judged by their contribution to society rather than according to their gender.
The introduction to the report on the development and education of women of Morocco by Said; expressed the importance of women in Morocco and the whole world. From this report, the position of women as the first educators within a child’s life makes them deserve respect and more appreciation than is given. Additionally, the position they are placed at in terms of knowledge and skills to a great degree dictated the shape of the society about the future. Further, this connection between the mother and child, and its effect on the future of society is a point worth noting; one which has rarely been put into consideration. Additionally, the rights of the mothers denied to them bear silent witness against society in the future.
As far as this article goes; its consistency to truth remains unshaken especially the views in its comparing of education to equality. This is the case as it is evident that education is power; a case where whoever is denied an opportunity to gain education almost certainly ends up at the losing end. Take for instance third world countries: here the education systems revolve around males; who resultantly end up in leadership positions. This does not come as a surprise as in comparing this case with that of the developed countries where education is available for all; leadership is more open to female influence where a great difference emerges. This case further explains the effects of having cultures that undermine a certain group or gender and the need to have laws that advocate for all groups living in a particular country. This is the case as this when not taken into consideration results in the oppression of the weaker party, where the effects are devastating. Further, most of the vices associated with women are often brought about by this suppression of rights; where prostitution for instance results from the demeaning of women to sex objects. Research has further shown the relationship between dependency and suicide; where the many women who feel entrapped in bad and undermining relationships end up committing suicide. I, therefore, concur with the views expressed in this article.
Conclusion
Women are of great value within the society and the world in general; where their position demands respect and appreciation. Further, their contribution within the society can be best appreciated by providing fair opportunities in all spheres of life for them and giving them the respect they deserve.
