Morocco Improved Its Parity Score, But Still Far From the 2030 Objective

Morocco continues to make progress in gender equality, but this progress remains moderate compared to global goals. According to the SDG Gender Index 2024, Morocco ranks 84th with a score of 63.2. This score reflects progress, particularly between 2015 and 2019, when the country recorded an annual increase of 0.2 to 0.6 points.

However, between 2019 and 2022, the pace accelerated with an increase of more than 0.6 points per year, which marks a notable evolution in the country‘s efforts towards gender equality.

This acceleration can be attributed to various factors, such as legislative reforms and policies aimed at improving women’s rights, access to education, and economic empowerment. However, despite these efforts, Morocco remains far from the levels achieved by countries at the top of the ranking, such as Switzerland, which has a score of 90.1, or the Scandinavian countries that are among the top ten.

Morocco ranks first in North Africa

On the continental level, Morocco is the leader in North Africa. It is ahead of Tunisia, Algeria and Egypt, with scores of 63.1, 61.6 and 61.3 respectively. Despite this favorable position, Morocco remains far behind countries such as Mauritius, which occupies 50th place in the world with a score of 72.5, and South Africa, ranked 71st with a score of 67.5.

These higher-ranked countries have been able to put in place inclusive and effective policies to reduce gender gaps in key areas such as economic and political participation, access to health services and equality in education.

Mauritius, for example, has adopted rigorous measures to promote gender equality in the public and private spheres, including in terms of women’s leadership and access to economic opportunities. Similarly, South Africa has implemented programmes to improve access to education and reduce gender-based violence, thereby contributing to a more enabling environment for gender equality.

A worrying overall situation, not only in Morocco

Switzerland tops the rankings with a score of 90.1, followed closely by Sweden (89.3) and Denmark (89.0). These countries are distinguished by advanced public policy on gender equality, including laws on parity in the workplace and political participation, widespread access to sexual and reproductive health services, and strict legal protection against gender discrimination.

In addition, these countries have managed to establish robust social and economic structures that support women at every stage of their lives, from education to retirement. Parental leave legislation, access to universal health care, and education systems that promote equal opportunity all contribute to these impressive results. But on the global stage, the situation remains worrying. No country is on track to achieve gender equality by 2030, the report says.

According to the index, nearly 40% of countries stagnated or even regressed between 2019 and 2022, including developed economies such as France, Austria and Malta, signaling a widespread decline. This is alarming, especially since gender equality is essential for achieving 74% of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations.

Goals still far away

Current projections indicate that, if global trends continue, gender equality will not be achieved before the 22nd century. In addition to existing structural inequalities, ongoing economic crises and conflicts have contributed to slowing or reversing progress in many countries, worsening the situation for millions of women and girls around the world.

With the 2030 deadline fast approaching, many challenges remain. Increased efforts are needed to accelerate initiatives to promote women’s empowerment, close education gaps, and combat gender-based violence.

The SDG Gender Index 2024 report highlights the need for concerted action by governments to implement inclusive policies, strengthen women’s economic and political participation, and promote universal access to health care and education.

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(Featured image by Jason Goodman via Unsplash)

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