Memorandum Signed in Rabat to Support Women's Economic Inclusion in Fishing Sector

This agreement was signed by the Secretary of State to the Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests, in charge of Maritime Fisheries, Zakia Driouich, and the representative of UN Women in Morocco, Myriem Ouchen Noussairi.

It is part of efforts to support and encourage the economic empowerment of women working in the fisheries sector, in accordance with the High Royal Guidelines and the pillars defined within the framework of the Halieutis strategy.

Speaking on the occasion, Driouich emphasized that the memorandum reflects the commitment of both parties to promoting gender equality and strengthening the role of women in the maritime fishing sector.

Integrating the principles of equality and equity into the maritime fishing sector not only benefits women but also contributes to the overall sustainability and prosperity of the industry, she noted, highlighting the “crucial role of women in economic inclusion and in the value chain of fishing.”

Noussairi, in turn, highlighted that this initiative aligns with Morocco’s strong commitment to gender equality and the advancement of women’s human rights.

“This project is designed to equip women with the tools and resources needed to play a pivotal role in managing maritime resources and integrating sustainable value chains,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of capacity-building efforts, including access to financing and narrowing the digital divide, as essential steps toward economic empowerment.  

These measures, she noted, will enable women to diversify their economic activities, strengthening their roles as catalysts for community development.

The project’s first phase, set to be implemented over a year in the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region, aims to address key challenges such as access to resources, food security, and the efficient management of critical fisheries.  

Furthermore, it seeks to empower women fishers with cutting-edge technologies, positioning them as key economic drivers of change, by enhancing their socio-economic conditions and offering targeted training and support for income-generating activities, thereby  transforming them into leaders within the fishing sector and their communities.