RABAT: Moroccan women's groups are looking with tentative optimism at the government's statements that appear to be heading toward reforming an anti-women law that allows rapists to avoid charges if they marry their victims. The announcement comes nearly one-year after a 16-year-old girl killed herselt after being forced to marry her rapist. Women's rights activists on Tuesday said they welcomed Justice Minister Mustapha Ramid's announcement, but said it was only one move in many in reforming a legal system that does not do enough to stop violence against women in the North African kingdom. A paragraph in Article 475 of the penal code allows those convicted of “corruption” or “kidnapping” of a minor to go free if they marry their victim and the practice has been encouraged by judges to spare family shame. “I think this is a good step and hopefully it won't just be lip service but actual change,” said Amal Boujani, a 28-year-old social worker and women's campaigner in the country. She told Bikyanews.com that “the future of Morocco will be determined by how women get rights, or don't.” For Moroccan women, the debate over women's rights has become a major concern over the past year, including with the women's ministry. According to Magharebia news website, the debacle and angered began in earnest in May when Solidarity, Women and Family Minister Bassima Hakkaoui argued that “the issue of child sexual abuse has been politically exploited by associations, which have greatly harmed Morocco's image abroad." Everyday women in the country have demanded an apology for the comment, telling Bikyamasr.com that it puts too much blame on women and does not fully encompass the real issues." Hala Mourad, a university student in Morocco's capital, Rabat, and self-proclaimed activist and citizen journalist, said what frustrates her the most is the idea that “the outside world should even be mentioned." She argued, “this is a local issue affecting women in this country. Moroccans. What does it matter about the outside world. If we are so concerned about it, then let's change how women are treated." Making matters worse for the situation facing women was the suicide of 16-year-old rape victim Amina Filali, who drank rat poison to end her life. The reason: she didn't want to marry the man who had raped her. Magharebia reported that the minister, in responding to the suicide, said: “marriage of underage girls must be subject for discussion ... because many advanced countries allow girls to marry at the age of 14." Hakkaoui also was hit with criticism from women's organizations after she responded to a statement from the Democratic League for Women's Rights (LDDF) about Morocco's retraction of reservations to the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). She described it as “irresponsible," “confused between outdated and preconceived ideas," and with language of “poor standard." Her continued remarks have left women like Mourad frustrated that Morocco is regressing on its positions towards women in the country. She wants to see forward-thinking government officials step up and show that women's safety and rights are being upheld. “I just want to know that if anything happens to me, I will be protected and not forced into something. We women are strong, but if the government is going to try and take our rights, we can't let it happen," she said. The LDDF, for its part, has demanded the government “hold the minister institutionally accountable for her provocative, negative discourse against the functions and activities of associations that protect and promote rights and contribute to democratic development." BN
