Women Represent a Real Opportunity for the Moroccan Job Market [Study]
15 July 2015
Read by 2471 persons
Despite being a minority in the job market, although representing 47% of higher education graduates, women represent a real opportunity for Morocco’s job market, a new study claims. The government is called upon to take action.
“The low rate of female workforce participation in Morocco hinders the country’s full potential for economic development.” This is the conclusion of a new study titled "Opportunities and Challenges for the Participation of the Female Workforce in the Moroccan Job Market," recently published and conducted by expert Yuko Morikawa of the Japan International Cooperation Agency.
Drop over the last decade
The study reviews various reports, surveys, and polls published in recent years concerning employment in Morocco, including those of the High Commission for Planning (HCP). The key points essentially address women’s participation rate and its evolution over the last decade. Indeed, while women represent 50% of the national population and 47% of higher education graduates, they only account for 26% of the active population in 2010. This rate even decreased by 4% between 1999 and 2010.
According to the report, several factors explain this situation. It mentions societal values, girls’ education level, employer preferences in certain sectors, and even the role of social institutions. "Thanks to these institutions, Morocco can increase women’s participation in the job market by modernizing its legal framework, particularly concerning family law," recommends the author, alluding to the authorization of underage marriage that can legally be granted by a judge.
Mentality
The report also highlights the situation of increasingly educated women in urban areas who do not always find employment. According to the author, sectors such as tourism, manufacturing, and even electronics for the most educated can be drivers of female employability.
The JICA expert also believes that Morocco, like many Muslim countries, still faces cultural considerations that mean employment remains the prerogative of certain women. She recalls a World Values Survey showing that 54% of Moroccans believe that management positions should be given to men because they would be better than women, while only 20% think the opposite.
The report emphasizes the economic loss incurred by Morocco when it does not fully utilize women’s potential, calling on Rabat to "recognize" this situation. Some Moroccan women already benefit from the Union for the Mediterranean program on women’s employability launched in September 2014, but the author of this report believes that Rabat should take its own governmental measures. "It is true that the participation of the female workforce is a complex issue and requires the careful coordination of many stakeholders to fully address all challenges. Under the leadership of the government, the joint work of ministers and agencies will allow for the implementation of effective policies," argues Yuko Morikawa.
Ristel Tchounand.
Yabiladi.com
Published July 15, 2015.
Posted online July 15, 2015.
“The low rate of female workforce participation in Morocco hinders the country’s full potential for economic development.” This is the conclusion of a new study titled "Opportunities and Challenges for the Participation of the Female Workforce in the Moroccan Job Market," recently published and conducted by expert Yuko Morikawa of the Japan International Cooperation Agency.
Drop over the last decade
The study reviews various reports, surveys, and polls published in recent years concerning employment in Morocco, including those of the High Commission for Planning (HCP). The key points essentially address women’s participation rate and its evolution over the last decade. Indeed, while women represent 50% of the national population and 47% of higher education graduates, they only account for 26% of the active population in 2010. This rate even decreased by 4% between 1999 and 2010.
According to the report, several factors explain this situation. It mentions societal values, girls’ education level, employer preferences in certain sectors, and even the role of social institutions. "Thanks to these institutions, Morocco can increase women’s participation in the job market by modernizing its legal framework, particularly concerning family law," recommends the author, alluding to the authorization of underage marriage that can legally be granted by a judge.
Mentality
The report also highlights the situation of increasingly educated women in urban areas who do not always find employment. According to the author, sectors such as tourism, manufacturing, and even electronics for the most educated can be drivers of female employability.
The JICA expert also believes that Morocco, like many Muslim countries, still faces cultural considerations that mean employment remains the prerogative of certain women. She recalls a World Values Survey showing that 54% of Moroccans believe that management positions should be given to men because they would be better than women, while only 20% think the opposite.
The report emphasizes the economic loss incurred by Morocco when it does not fully utilize women’s potential, calling on Rabat to "recognize" this situation. Some Moroccan women already benefit from the Union for the Mediterranean program on women’s employability launched in September 2014, but the author of this report believes that Rabat should take its own governmental measures. "It is true that the participation of the female workforce is a complex issue and requires the careful coordination of many stakeholders to fully address all challenges. Under the leadership of the government, the joint work of ministers and agencies will allow for the implementation of effective policies," argues Yuko Morikawa.
Ristel Tchounand.
Yabiladi.com
Published July 15, 2015.
Posted online July 15, 2015.
