Mrs. Amina Bouayach, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Council (CNDH) shed light on gender-based violence as the most widespread human rights violations and the least recognized in the world. One in every three women and girls in the world are subjected to physical or sexual violence during their lifetime. This phenomenon is not only limited to legal aspects, but it needs to take into consideration other aspects (extra-judicial) such as social and cultural dimensions, etc.

This statement was a part of the participation of the CNDH Chairperson in the proceedings of a study day on gender-based violence which was organized by the Academic Chair “Lalla Meryem for Women and Children” under the Honorary Presidency of Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Meryem on 21 February 2020 in Rabat, Morocco.

Said Amzazi, Minister of National Education, Vocational Training, Higher Education and Scientific Research, Driss Aouicha, Minister Delegate to the Minister of National Education, Vocational Training, Higher Education and Scientific Research in charge of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Mohamed El Ghachi, President of University Mohammed V in Rabat took part in this event.

This event is a part of a universal debate which didn’t succeed in breaking with the gender-based violence phenomenon in all countries, said the CNDH Chairperson. Although awareness (related to monitoring, harmonization, protection and prevention of gender-based violence) has been growing in these countries over the last decade, this phenomenon is more complicated than countering it only at the legal level. Other measures should be considered such as social and cultural dimensions.

The phenomenon of violence and social media

Mrs. Bouayach stressed that the digital space is providing opportunities to counter gender-based violence and empowering women. However, it is also, a space where different manifestations of gender-based violence are obvious. Women and girls are suffering from stigmatization, stereotyping and digital harassment through mobile phones and messaging applications which perpetuates structural inequality and discrimination.

The area of gender-based violence is extended to public and private contexts, family, community, workplace context, public and political spaces, etc. Therefore, a growing type of violence is drawing our attention where technology is used as a tool. Social networks became more threatening through their new forms of violence. It is diminishing, significantly, positive development of anti-violence indications. Within this context, Mrs. Bouayach called to develop new and creative initiatives to counter violence in the digital world.

To be noted that Mrs. Amina Bouayach is a member of the Scientific Council of the Academic Chair “Lalla Meryem for Women and Children”, along with a group of highly qualified and experienced intellectuals and experts in issues related to the situation of the rights of women and children.

The Academic Chair “Lalla Meryem for Women and Children” was established in line with the directives of Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Meryem in 2018, on the occasion of the celebration of International Women's Day, in partnership with University Mohammed V in Rabat, Morocco.

The Academic Chair aims to expand scientific research and field studies. It intends also to deepen debates and analysis to find realistic solutions to social issues related to women and children.