Ms. Bouayach, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Council (CNDH) and Ms. Nell Stewart, Ambassador of Canada, signed a Memorandum of Understanding concerning the “Voice and Leadership of Women in Morocco” project on Thursday 23 January 2020 at CNDH headquarters.

This project aims to improve the enjoyment of women & girls’ rights and guarantee the advancement of gender equality in Morocco. It also aims to strengthen the capacities of organizations defending women's rights.

The project “Voice and Leadership of Women in Morocco” will be implemented by the Canadian agency Oxfam.

Speaking on this occasion, Ms. Bouayach reiterated the importance of Moroccan women’s struggle to recognize the principles of equality and parity culturally, socially and politically. The "Voice and Leadership of Women in Morocco" project will undeniably contribute to eliminating grey areas that slow down the process of protecting women’s rights in Morocco, she added.

In the same context, Ms. Bouayach reiterated the willingness and the availability of CNDH to contribute to the success of this project, in particular through its multidimensional expertise and through training sessions/workshops at the Rabat Institute for Human Rights – Driss Benzekri.

This project is a flagship program for Canada that supports women's movement and benefits 30 countries including Morocco, said Ms. Stewart. She also welcomed CNDH's commitment to issues related to women’s rights. In this perspective, the Canadian government aims, through this project, to support the efforts of organizations whose objective is to consecrate and consolidate the rights of women, added Ms. Stewart.

Furthermore, Ms. Cecilia Milan, Acting Director of Oxfam, said that this project is part of Oxfam's feminist vision, aiming for equality, fighting against violence, and strengthening the capacities of civil society organizations particularly those working to defend women's rights.