Morocco’s High Authority for Audiovisual Communication (HACA) has taken a significant step in addressing the underrepresentation and stereotypical portrayals of women in the media. On April 29, 2025, HACA unveiled an awareness video, marking the beginning of a campaign aimed at transforming how women are depicted in the Moroccan news media. This initiative highlights the urgent need for more inclusive and balanced portrayals, with a focus on civic equality and democratic inclusion. The move comes as part of a broader effort to reshape the media landscape and push for gender equality.
HACA’s Awareness Campaign and Workshop
An Urgent Call for Change
During a workshop in Rabat, HACA presented the awareness video, “Representation of Women in the Media in Morocco: Challenges of Citizen Equality and Democratic Inclusion.” The event gathered a wide range of stakeholders, including media professionals, human rights advocates, parliamentarians, and digital media specialists. The primary aim of the workshop was to address the media’s persistent gender biases and to encourage actionable solutions for creating more inclusive content.
The Role of the Media in Shaping Public Perception
In his opening remarks, HACA Director General Benaissa Asloun emphasized the media’s role in shaping public thought and perceptions. He stressed the importance of making small editorial changes that could lead to broader societal transformations, especially in light of Morocco’s ongoing debate over reforming the Family Code. The message was clear: the media must reflect the diversity of society to ensure democratic representation.
Persistent Gender Disparities in Moroccan Media
Underrepresentation and Stereotyping
HACA President Latifa Akharbach presented concerning statistics from the Global Media Monitoring Project (GMMP), revealing that women are often sidelined or depicted through narrow, stereotypical lenses in Moroccan media. According to Akharbach, women’s voices are frequently missing in significant political and economic stories, with men dominating expert commentary and political analysis.
The data revealed that, despite slight improvements, women continue to be underrepresented across various media platforms. For instance, in 2020, women made up only 22% of the subjects on Moroccan television, a minimal increase from 21% in 2015. Meanwhile, radio and print media showed even more significant gaps, with women representing only 13% of subjects in radio coverage in 2020, a decrease from 16% in 2015.
A Lack of Female Representation in Political News
The most striking disparity remains in the coverage of political news, where women are vastly underrepresented. In 2020, women accounted for just 6% of the political coverage on Moroccan television, despite politics making up 30% of overall content. This glaring gap illustrates the persistent barriers women face in gaining visibility in key areas of public discourse.
The Road to Equality and Democratic Inclusion
Fostering Inclusive Reporting
The campaign’s objective is not only to raise awareness but also to encourage a cultural shift within media organizations. It emphasizes that media reforms cannot be achieved through checklists or token gestures but require genuine intention, awareness, and commitment to inclusivity. As HACA continues its push for a more balanced portrayal of women, it hopes that both the public and media professionals will take part in redefining the role of women in Morocco’s media landscape.
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The Power of Social Media in Spreading Awareness
HACA’s video campaign will primarily be spread through social media platforms, aiming to reach a broader audience beyond formal institutions. This strategic move aims to spark conversations about women’s roles in the media and to encourage public engagement in the ongoing fight for gender equality. By leveraging the power of social media, HACA hopes to amplify the impact of its message and foster a nationwide dialogue.
Conclusion:
As HACA continues to champion gender equality in Moroccan media, the awareness campaign is just the beginning of a much-needed transformation. The challenges are clear, but so are the solutions: a commitment to equal representation, the dismantling of outdated stereotypes, and a media landscape that genuinely reflects the diversity of Moroccan society. With the support of the public and media professionals alike, this initiative has the potential to make significant strides in achieving lasting gender parity in Moroccan news media.
This article is originally published on: moroccoworldnews
