Fez Private University Conference Tackles the Future of the Moroccan Family
The conference shed light on how Moroccan society is grappling with the changing definitions of marriage, divorce, and gender roles within the family unit.
Legal expert Prof. Mohammed Jamal Maatouk, the conference's keynote speaker, addressed the future of the Moroccan family with a thought-provoking presentation titled 'De quel code de la famille on rêve?' (What family code are we dreaming of?).
He argued that as Morocco lives through shifting cultural norms and increasing calls for reform, the Family Code, long considered a pillar of Moroccan legal identity, is bound to be under national scrutiny.
Discussions touched on sensitive yet pressing topics, such as early marriage, the erosion of the sacralization of marriage, and the increasing transition toward treating marriage as a contractual agreement with evolving conditions.
According to Prof. Maatouk, the complexity of these transformations reflects broader societal tensions between preserving traditional values and embracing modern legal structures that respond to today's realities.
One of the underlying themes of the conference was the shifting role of women within the family and legal systems.
The dialogue explored how societal expectations of women continue to evolve, with growing attention on the balance between professional responsibilities and domestic life.
There was particular interest in how legal structures could potentially support women in fulfilling both roles without reinforcing outdated gender norms.
Speakers and attendees reflected on the idea that family law must be more than just reactive. Most argue that it must anticipate social change and support a vision of the Moroccan family that is both inclusive and adaptable.
This includes examining how laws can better protect minors, ensure justice in divorce proceedings, and foster equitable relationships between spouses.
The conference also acknowledged that legal reform is not solely about legislation, but also about mindset. Without shifts in societal attitudes and the consistent application of laws across all judicial levels, progress may remain limited.
Prof. Mohammed Jamal Maatouk concluded his presentation by sincerely advising the audience to 'adopt what serves society and neglect what does not, as that's how we can live a healthy marriage without the need of a Family Code.'
Ultimately, the event at the Private University of Fez served as an important platform for reimagining the future of Moroccan family law. It was a reminder that, as the public debate around the Family Code intensifies, so does the need for a collective, forward-thinking approach to reform.
While the conference did not claim to decisively answer the question raised by its theme, it at least provided a helpful suggestion to kickstart an essential conversation. Overall, the conference argued that the dream Family Code for Morocco is one that grants Moroccan women their full rights without falling into the trap of Westernizing Moroccan society.
The driving idea, as Prof. Matouk repeatedly emphasized throughout his speech, is that the dream of a better Family Code is not just a legal question. Instead, it is an unending social and political quest rooted in the values, challenges, and hopes of a changing Morocco. Tags: Codeconferencefamilylaw
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