Moroccan Government Plans Support Program to Encourage Marriage Among Youth
Minister of Solidarity, Social Integration and Family, Naima Ben Yahya, announced the initiative during a meeting of the Social Sectors Committee in the House of Representatives, where the impact of the latest national census on Moroccan families was discussed.
Ben Yahya said that Morocco is facing a serious demographic shift, which she described as a 'reversal' that threatens the family structure and society. She noted the need for urgent government intervention to address the issue.
According to the Minister, the Ministry of Solidarity is preparing a new program to support people who are planning to get married. This comes in response to major socio-demographic changes, including a growing elderly population and a shrinking youth population, she said.
'The family structure is at risk,' she said, adding that there is no clear national policy to support families.
'We cannot be at ease while we witness the decline of the family's role,' she stated, explaining that in Moroccan society, the family is not just a place for raising children but a foundation of social stability. She mentioned values such as respect for parents and shared responsibilities between spouses.
As part of the government's broader efforts, Ben Yahya also announced plans to reduce the number of social care institutions, especially shelters for abused women and elderly people, a statement many found disturbing.
She claimed the correlation that the high number of these institutions indicates past failures in addressing family-related issues such as divorce and domestic violence.
The minister referred to results from the national population and housing census conducted in September 2024. The data shows that the average Moroccan household size has dropped from 4.6 people in 2014 to 3.9 people in 2024. This decline was seen in both urban and rural areas.
Based on these findings, the ministry is working on a national family policy, starting with a field study in five regions. The goal is to create a strategy that meets citizens' needs and strengthens the family unit.
Ben Yahya also warned of the economic consequences of the demographic shift. Families are facing increased financial pressure due to smaller household sizes and a growing number of elderly people needing care.
She added that birth rates are falling and younger generations are not being replaced, which could lead to a decline in the working-age population. At the same time, extended family members are contributing less financially, which increases the costs of education, health care, and housing for nuclear families.
The minister also noted the high unemployment rates, especially among youth and women, saying that economic insecurity is a key factor in delaying marriage and forming new families. Tags: familyMarriageMorocco
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