The Ministry of Fisheries and UN Women in Morocco signed a memorandum on Tuesday in Rabat to launch the project « Support for the Economic Inclusion of Women in the Fisheries Sector. »
The memorandum was signed by the Secretary of State for Maritime Fisheries, Zakia Driouich, and the UN Women Representative in Morocco, Myriem Ouchen Noussairi. This initiative is part of efforts to support and encourage the economic empowerment of women working in the fisheries sector, in line with the Royal High Guidelines and the objectives defined under the Halieutis Strategy.
On this occasion, Ms. Driouich emphasized that this memorandum reflects the commitment of both parties to promote gender equality and strengthen the role of women in the maritime fisheries sector.
She observed that integrating principles of equality and equity in the maritime fisheries sector not only benefits women but also contributes to the sustainability and prosperity of the sector as a whole. She highlighted the « crucial role of women in economic inclusion and in the value chain of fisheries. »
This project, backed by a financial contribution of 80,000 euros from the government of the Balearic Islands, marks a significant step towards consolidating achievements and opening new perspectives for the empowerment of women in the fisheries sector, said Ms. Driouich.
Ms. Noussairi, for her part, reminded that this project aligns fully with Morocco’s commitments to gender equality and the promotion of women’s human rights.
« It aims to provide women with the necessary resources to play an active role in managing marine resources and integrating sustainable value chains, » she noted, emphasizing the importance of capacity-building initiatives, particularly in terms of access to finance and reducing the digital divide.
These actions, she added, will enable the women beneficiaries to diversify their economic activities and become key agents of development within their communities.
The project, whose first phase will be implemented over a year in the Tanger-Tétouan-Al-Hoceima region, will address needs related to access, food security, and the optimized management of essential fisheries resources.
It also aims to equip women fishers with modern technologies to become key economic agents of change in their region, improving their socio-economic situation and enhancing their skills through training and income-generating activities.
Source: Maroc diplomatique
