Women Struggle for Land Ownership in Morocco with Just 6.9% Holding Rights
Gender Inequality in Moroccan Land Ownership
A recent study by Morocco’s High Commission for Planning (HCP) reveals stark gender disparities in land ownership, with only 6.9% of women holding property rights to agricultural land compared to 36.8% of men. This significant gap highlights systemic barriers preventing women from accessing land, particularly in rural areas where traditional practices dominate.
Cultural and Legal Barriers
The report, titled Gender Inequalities in the Context of Sustainable Development Goals in Morocco, identifies patriarchal social structures and customary land tenure systems as major obstacles. Women face challenges in securing legal ownership due to:
- Complex land registration procedures
- Gender-biased inheritance laws favoring male heirs
- Limited awareness of legal rights among women
Economic Disparities Persist Across Income Levels
Even among Morocco’s wealthiest citizens, land ownership remains unequal:
- 53.9% of affluent men own agricultural land
- Only 13% of affluent women hold similar assets
Financial barriers, including strict lending criteria and lack of institutional support, further limit women’s ability to purchase or develop land.
Government Reforms and Challenges
The Moroccan government has introduced legal reforms, particularly regarding collective land management. However, implementation faces resistance due to:
- Deep-rooted socio-cultural attitudes
- Local resistance to change
Economic Benefits of Gender Equality
The study emphasizes that closing the gender gap in land ownership could lead to:
- Increased agricultural productivity
- Improved rural stability
- Reduced poverty rates
Recommendations for Change
The report advocates for:
- Stronger legal protections for women’s land rights
- Simplified administrative processes
- Expanded legal aid services
- Gender-sensitive financial mechanisms
Effective implementation of these measures could empower rural women economically while advancing Morocco’s sustainable development goals.
Source: Hespress English