Rabha El Haymar honored in Washington for her role in advancing women's rights in Morocco

Rabha El Haymar, awarded alongside other women from different parts of the world on Monday in Washington, said she was happy to receive the International Women of Courage 2024 award, which she sees as a crowning achievement for Moroccan women. She stressed, in a statement to MAP, that the distinction is also another recognition of the judicious reforms of the Family Code initiated in 2004 «thanks to the efforts and vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI».

In this regard, she indicated that she had benefited from the amendments made by the Family Code. «These reforms have done me justice», she said, welcoming the achievements that Moroccan women continue to make.

Rabha El Haymar also expressed optimism that these advances will continue as part of the dynamic inspired by the royal desire to reserve for Moroccan women the place they deserve in building a strong and developed Morocco.

Youssef Amrani, the Moroccan ambassador to the United States, also commented on the award. He said it reflects the positive momentum of reforms initiated by King Mohammed VI in terms of women's rights. Amrani noted that the Moudouwana adopted in 2004 constituted a decisive turning point in women's emancipation and rights protection, making the Kingdom a model in the region.

He further elaborated that the 2011 Constitution, which stipulates equality between men and women, confirms Morocco's commitment to fundamental rights and freedoms under royal leadership. The ambassador mentioned the King's call during the 2022 Throne Speech for a new Family Code reform to consolidate gains for women and families. This new reform, Amrani noted, is undertaken through a consultative approach that respects Moroccan identity and values.

The International Women of Courage 2024 prize was awarded to Rabha El Haymar by the First Lady of the United States, Jill Biden, and the American Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, during the ceremony held in the presence of Youssef Amrani, representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited to Washington, and other eminent personalities.