Outcome MAR_D_2.1

Social protection is universal and sustainable, and social, local, regional and gender inequalities are reduced to leave no one behind.

In 2023, significant progress was made towards the achievement of Outcome 2.1 with stakeholders, such as the Office of the Public Prosecutor (OPP), the General Directorate for National Security (police forces), the Gendarmerie Royale, the National Mutual Aid, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, the Ministry of Justice, High Commissioner for Planning, Civil Society Organizations and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs strengthening their commitment to providing quality services for WSV through increased capacity building and improved intersectoral coordination. Stakeholders strengthened intersectoral coordination through the monitoring and evaluation of the territorial protocol for providing coordinated services to WSV, with UNW support. Institutional representatives from the Office of the Public Prosecutor / tribunals; the Ministry of Health / hospitals; the National Women’s Machinery / housing centres for WSV; the police forces; and Royal Guard (Gendarmerie Royale) / specialized units conducted self-assessments on the implementation of the protocol at institutional level. UN Women convened these representatives and supported these assessments to strengthen the culture of monitoring and evaluation of essential services provision. This process will inform future regional evaluations on the quality of the service provision for WSV for a better inter-sectoral coordination and fosters a culture of self-assessment to improve quality of provided services. In 2023, the National Police VAW unit chiefs harmonized their approach and understanding of different forms of gender-based violence and their specificities, as well as EVAWG national and international legal frameworks, standards and norms of support services for women and girls, survivors of violence (listening, counselling, referral systems). Security sector entities providing support to women survivors of violence (Ministry of Interior, National Police, Gendarmerie Royale) were strengthened their capacity and coordination through exchange of knowledge and experience within the framework of 2 exchange visits to Belgium (co-organized with ENABEL) and Canada. Both missions were opportunities to reflect on challenges in service provision to WVV and on best practices, but also to discuss collaboration on knowledge sharing and skills transfer. The Ministry of Health and Social Protection strengthened intra and inter sectoral coordination on EVAW in coordination with UN Women Morocco CO. The ministry finalized its National Strategy for WVV in 2023, aiming to improve coordination between the different health departments and all the institutional stakeholders listed in Law 103.13. The strategy designed with the support of a consultant mobilized by UNW was presented and disseminated by the Population Department to health professionals and practitioners at national and local levels. Finally, the Ministry of Justice launched a feasibility study for the implementation of a pilot one-stop center to provide integrated support and assistance for women survivors of violence in the regions of Rabat-Salé-Kénitra and Fes-Meknes, contributing to the significant improvement of intersectoral coordination. UN Women Morocco contributed to this study as a as a joint initiative with UNFPA. Civil society advocacy efforts to promote prevention and non-acceptation of VAWG, as well as the protection of women survivors of violence and criminalization of authors of violence were ongoing initiatives in the reporting period. In 2023, 20,106 women, men, boys and girls in marginalized areas (Al Haouz area) enhanced their knowledge on women’s and girls’ rights to a life free from all forms of violence and discriminations, including child marriage, namely facilitated through the awareness-raising campaign conducted by Ytto Foundation. This social caravan contributed to civil society local response to the earthquake’s victims which exacerbated the vulnerability of women and girls. In the absence of a national VAW prevention strategy, civil society continues to play a strong and paramount role of defending women’s rights. In 2023, civil society organizations developed and disseminated a memorandum to reform the Code of Criminal Procedure, with UN Women’s support. This tool advocates for a Code that protects survivors from double victimization and discriminations and criminalize perpetrators of gender-based violence. Grassroots organizations increased social mobilization to accompany advocacy efforts, awareness-raising initiatives such as the 16 Days of Activism Campaign under the tagline #No_excuse. The gender audit that UN Women launched for the Ministry of Youth, Communication and Culture led to the development by international expert mobilized by UNW and the Ministry’s gender unit of a roadmap and recommendations by . Among approved recommendations is the launch of a broad awareness-raising initiative to inform all staff members about protocols to implement to end sexual harassment in the workplace and to inform on rights and support provisions for survivors of gender-based violence in the workplace. The gender audit also paves the way for a strengthened coordination on VAWG prevention with the Ministry of Youth, Communication and Culture through promotion of a gender equality culture within the youth and positive masculinities.

Social protection is universal and sustainable, and social, local, regional and gender inequalities are reduced to leave no one behind.

In 2024, progress towards the achievement of Outcome 2.1. The coordinated efforts of UN Women Morocco with various institutional partners have contributed to a broader understanding and commitment to addressing gender-based violence and ensuring the implementation of gender-sensitive policies and services. These partnerships have reinforced the commitment of local and national actors to prioritize women’s rights and have enhanced the capacity of institutions to respond to gender-based violence. In line with law 103.13 on combatting VAWG, service providers initiated a joint effort to harmonize data collection and communication on VAWG cases. This process was initiated by a comprehensive review of each department’s methodologies to improve coordination and efficiency in data sharing for better service delivery and prevention efforts. Building on this initiative, the National Police established a dedicated team of eight officers, trained to enhance the systematic collection of VAWG data. This team developed an advanced, in-house information system, incorporating pre-established indicators developed collaboratively by the National Police in partnership with UN Women Morocco Country Office. Furthermore, in response to the rising prevalence of cyberviolence against women and girls, the National Police's cybercrime brigades have undertaken substantial efforts to harmonize their understanding of online violence. This process involved aligning their operational frameworks with established international norms and standards to ensure a comprehensive and victim-centered response. By enhancing their capacity to address cyberviolence, the brigades will improve the quality and consistency of support services provided to women and girls affected by online violence, ensuring their rights are safeguarded in the digital realm. In rural areas, the Gendarmerie Royale’s capacity to provide services to WSV has been strengthened to meet international standards, in line with the Essential Services Package guidelines. A dedicated pool of 30 officers and trainers from VAW units was established following a two-phase training (October 2023 -June 2024). aimed to build expertise to cascade their acquired knowledge to peers in the field, ensuring standardized and harmonized service delivery to survivors of violence across regions. To enhance intersectoral coordination, a feasibility study for the establishment of a one-stop center was conducted under the leadership of the Ministry of Justice, with the support of UN Women Morocco and UNFPA. The study outlined four detailed scenarios to improve integrated support for WSV. These scenarios were designed to address the specific needs of the regions of Rabat-Salé-Kénitra and Fes-Meknes, laying the groundwork for a more comprehensive and accessible support system. In Fes, a city member of the Safe Cities Flagship Programme, advocacy efforts were also made to align the municipal action plan with the standards of the ‘Safe Cities without Violence against Women and Girls’ initiative. Moreover, in the absence of a national strategy to prevent VAW, sectoral initiatives and campaigns, such as the 16 Days of Activism, continue to play a key role in raising awareness among women and girls about their rights and available services. In 2024, UN Women Morocco galvanized a diverse range of actors to engage various social groups—particularly young men, women, and girls—through inclusive and impactful initiatives during the 16 Days of Activism campaign. The 3rd edition of the Women’s Rights Film Week, organized by the Morocco CO in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth, Culture and over 1,500 participants. Youth engagement was further strengthened through two innovative competitions: a digital content creation contest and the "Words of Equality" rap and slam competition. As part of its coordination role within the United Nations Development System in Morocco, UN Women organized the “Equality Village” event, engaging around 747 participants. This initiative featured interactive workshops, cultural activities, and sports programs aimed at raising awareness and educating the public on gender-based violence. The Theory of Change remains applicable, as evidenced by the sustained partnerships and the progress made toward reducing gender inequalities and strengthening social protection systems. Based on this analysis, there is no need for any amendments to the strategy or ToC. The work carried out is expected to have a lasting impact on women and girls, enhancing their access to quality services and strengthening the social protection system in a way that responds to their needs.