HANAN HARET

Morocco-The Association Tildat, a non-government organization founded in Morocco in 2008, aims to end child marriage, promote women’s economic empowerment and eliminate violence against women by holding awareness-raising activities.

“Our association carries out activities in rural areas to support women,” said Naima Khoushan, a human rights defender and a member of the Association Tildat.

The association also provides psychological and legal support to the women survivors of violence and family reconciliation services. It has developed projects to promote women’s economic empowerment by offering sewing and embroidery courses.

The association also provides shelter and emergency aid services to women survivors of violence.

‘Women face bureaucratic obstacles in rural areas’

Raising awareness about women’s rights in rural areas is very important, Naima Khoushan said. “Despite improving social infrastructure, women living in rural areas still face many challenges. They face bureaucratic obstacles in local government offices.”

‘Equality can be achieved between women living in urban areas and rural areas’

Promoting women’s economic empowerment paves the way for women to play an active role in politics and decision-making positions, Naima Khoushan stressed. “Equality can be achieved between women living in urban areas and rural areas.”

Commenting on Morocco’s Law No. 103-13, law on combating all forms of violence against women, Naima Khoushan said, “This law does not protect women from violence. Social change is a must to protect women from violence.”

‘Social change is important’

Naima Khoushan drew attention to the importance of awareness-raising activities and campaigns in elimination of violence against women. “Social change is important to eliminate violence against women,” she said, calling on women’s rights defenders to fight more to eliminate violence against women.