The Integrated Gender Approach: The Normative Convergence of Moroccan Domestic Law with International Law

Abstract

Gender-sensitive normative convergence is a process aimed at transposing international treaties into domestic law in the realm of gender equality or integrating a gender-sensitive approach into national legislation. The Moroccan Constitution of 2011, aligned with European constitutions, explicitly enshrines gender equality in its preamble. Prior to this reform, legislative revisions, such as those of the Family Code and the Nationality Code, initiated a dynamic of harmonization. While both reforms contributed to this dynamic, the Family Code remains central as it directly shapes gender relations within Moroccan society and is currently being revised through a nationwide debate and broad public consultation. However, structural and sociocultural barriers hinder the effective implementation of this normative convergence. The emergence of normative spheres of influence, driven by international organizations or foreign agencies, provides fresh momentum to this process. The Council of Europe and the United States have supported key reforms, particularly in combating violence against women and ensuring equitable access to land for women in ethnic communities. The ongoing reform of the Family Code reflects a commitment by Moroccan institutions to harmonize national law with international commitments, while respecting cultural and institutional specificities.