Women’s perspectives on marriage and rights in Morocco: risk factors for forced and early marriage in the Marrakech region

Abstract

Despite the introduction of the new Family Law, or Moudawana, in Morocco, effectively raising the minimum age for marriage, the number of girls being forced into wedlock is rising. This increase has been a source of concern from a women's rights perspective. The present study explored women's experiences and perspectives in relation to factors that contribute to the occurrence of child and forced marriage in Morocco. Using a participatory approach, focus-group discussions and in-depth interviews were held with women in both urban and rural settings in the greater Marrakech region. Overall, 125 women, between 18 and 69 years of age, participated in the study. Our findings highlight the need for more open dialogue between (grand)parents and children. Overall, the Moudawana is perceived as a considerable step forward for women's rights, yet study findings show that current policy provisions are not effective in abolishing forced marriages. Findings point to the need for a redefinition of the role of organisations, women's associations and other groups, with the recommendation that they focus their future efforts on awareness-raising among older generations and refrain from directly intervening in cases of forced marriage. Sensitisation efforts, including the use of popular media, are crucial to reach members of this older population group, where illiteracy remains widespread.

Investigation of the key factors that influence the girls to enter into child marriage: A meta-synthesis of qualitative evidence

“…Among the 12 articles, legal issues emerged from four studies [ 31 , 33 , 34 , 36 ] as a push factor for child marriage. The participants (refugees (married women, unmarried women, and their parents), women (married and unmarried) and stakeholders (NGO and government officials, camp leader, religious leaders, teachers, academics, healthcare workers, lawyers, police and gynecologist)) described how the legal issues are accelerating child marriage.…”

“…There were 41,098 child marriages authorized in 2010, an increase of 23.6% from 2009. Sabbe et al explored women’s perspectives on marriage and rights in Morocco in relation to the factors that contribute to child and forced marriages [ 33 ]. The findings demonstrated that there was an overall agreement among the study participants that there are loopholes in the existing legal framework, and often, these legislations are not being enforced properly.…”

“…The findings demonstrated that there was an overall agreement among the study participants that there are loopholes in the existing legal framework, and often, these legislations are not being enforced properly. The participants reported that cases of corruption around marriage were common; for example, some institutions that conduct wedding ceremonies could be bribed when the young women were below the legal minimum age: “There are ways to circumvent the law … Institutions that conduct the wedding ceremony are bribed in order for marriage to take place at a younger age” [ 33 ].…”

“Child marriage” in context: exploring local attitudes towards early marriage in rural Tanzania

“…13 Parents also report that early marriage protects daughters from social and health risks associated with premarital and/or transactional sex and childbearing. 10,13,14,[16][17][18][19][20] Moreover, young women sometimes view early marriage as improving their lives by: helping their family and themselves economically; 15,16,21 gaining independence or respect within their homes and community; 12,14,21 or protecting their health through the limitation of sexual partners. 22 Studies also highlight perceived costs to early marriage including violence, power imbalances between spouses, and lack of preparedness for married life.…”

In-depth examination of issues surrounding the reasons for child marriage in Kelantan, Malaysia: a qualitative study

“…A previous study conducted in Morocco in 2015 indicated financial dependence of the adolescents on the family, perception of child marriage as a customary social norm and lack of sufficient legal protection as the risk factors for child marriage 3. A recent report by UNICEF Malaysia in 2018 indicates low household income, dropping out of school and poor understanding of sexual and reproductive health issues as the risk factors for child marriage in Malaysia 4.…”