On Tuesday, March 25, 2025, the Rabat-Driss Benzekri Institute for Human Rights hosted a high-profile roundtable on "The Role of Businesses in Promoting Equality and Inclusion: Women's Initiatives and Journeys." This event, organized by The National Human Rights Council (CNDH), was part of its ongoing commemoration of International Women's Rights Day 2025.

In her opening statement delivered on her behalf, Ms. Amina Bouayach, CNDH Chairperson, highlighted the disparity in women-led businesses in Morocco. She stated that the low percentage of female entrepreneurs "does not reflect the true potential of Moroccan women." Ms. Bouayach emphasized that the desired development is unattainable without full and effective female participation. She further stressed that gender equality and women’s economic empowerment are fundamental pillars for any successful development model.

Experts, institutional representatives, and civil society members at the discussion noted that businesses reflect society and are influenced by various elements of the surrounding social system.
 

From this perspective, they affirmed that addressing the challenges related to gender equality within companies requires a comprehensive and integrated approach that aims at dismantling gender stereotypes and discriminatory discourse against women. A key takeaway from the discussion was the importance of early education in shaping gender perceptions. Integrating gender-sensitive curricula in schools can instill values of equality from a young age.

To effectively address gender equality challenges in the workplace, panelists stressed the need for businesses to commit to uphold principles of parity, effective gender equality, and equal opportunities. They also highlighted the key role of businesses in fostering inclusion by developing internal policies that foster gender equality, aiming to promote shared values among employees to strengthen workplace equality.

On a broader scale, participants emphasized that raising awareness among women and girls about their rights and freedoms is a priority, supporting their access to education, economic and social empowerment, and effective participation in decision-making and public life. They also stressed the pivotal role of media in shaping positive representations of women and, consequently, in combating stereotypes and driving societal change in favor of gender equality.