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Justice and Development Party (PJD) Secretary-General Abdelilah Benkirane has broken his silence following widespread criticism of remarks he made during the opening session of his party's regional conference in the Souss-Massa region. In his speech, Benkirane urged women and young girls to prioritize marriage over pursuing higher education. In a video posted on his Facebook page, he defended his comments, declaring that he stood by his words and was unafraid of feminist movements, whether in Morocco or abroad.
«I could have ignored the uproar, especially after realizing who is behind it and what their motives are», he said. «But I chose to respond to clarify certain misunderstandings». He claimed that unnamed groups were orchestrating a coordinated campaign against him ahead of the legislative elections, arguing that the backlash was ultimately benefiting his party rather than harming it.
«I believe women have a legitimate right to education and learning», Benkirane continued. «I also believe in a woman’s freedom to choose what she wants for herself, within the boundaries of our shared values».
He explained the context behind his controversial remarks, stating: «It’s become a social custom for girls to postpone marriage proposals until they finish their studies. But by the time some complete their education, often at an older age, they find themselves still unmarried», which he believes has contributed to the rise in so-called «spinsterhood».
Calling the rejection of marriage for the sake of completing studies a «mistake» and even a «crime against women», Benkirane argued: «The solution, as I see it, is for a young woman to seize the opportunity to marry and complete her studies later. If the opportunity is missed, it may never come again».
He stressed the importance of marriage and family formation, saying: «As a woman grows older, she needs someone to support her—whether it’s a husband or her children». He framed his comments as stemming from concern for what he called «the real interests of women».
Prior to Benkirane’s clarification, the Executive Office of the Justice and Development Women’s Organization issued a statement expressing its «regret and astonishment» at what it described as «malicious and fragmented interpretations» of the PJD leader’s comments.
The statement emphasized that Benkirane’s remarks were not opposed to women’s education or ambitions for social advancement, but rather intended to promote «a balance between academic achievement and family stability, enabling young women to build their future without forgoing natural opportunities like marriage».
Meanwhile, women’s rights groups strongly condemned Benkirane’s comments. The «Women’s Coordination for Comprehensive and Deep Reform of the Family Code» described his statements as «insulting to women, an affront to their dignity, and a denial of the women’s movement’s historical struggle». They labeled the remarks as «deeply regressive and hostile to women’s rights».
