Practical Guide: “Understanding Violence Against Women to Take Action Against it”

This guide is part of a broader initiative to deepen understanding and strengthen efforts to combat violence against women in Morocco. It offers an essential resource for addressing this pervasive issue, rooted in gender inequalities and patriarchal systems, while providing practical, culturally relevant strategies for meaningful and effective action. The first section, ‘Understanding’, delves into the various forms of gender-based violence, examining their root causes, how they manifest, and their far-reaching impact on women, their communities, and society as a whole. Through clear definitions, striking statistics, and thoughtful analysis, this section challenges common myths and stereotypes that reinforce these injustices The second section, “Taking Action”, outlines concrete pathways for intervention to support survivors of gender-based violence, detailing the various forms of assistance available, be it legal, psychological, medical, or social. It also provides an overview of Law 103-13 on combating violence against women, including its key provisions and identified limitations, while underscoring the importance of collective approaches—such as sisterhood and feminist self-defense—as essential components in promoting women’s empowerment and reinforcing community-based responses. This guide provides practical tools, key contact information, and strategic recommendations intended for institutions, professionals, and engaged citizens committed to advancing a more just and equitable society. It emphasizes the urgency of promoting a culture of informed, collective civic engagement as a lever for sustainable and systemic change. This guide was developed within the framework of the ‘Culture for Inclusive and Sustainable Peace (CUSP)’ project, an initiative led by Racines AISBL.