Women’s Rights: Prize Awarded to Rabha El Haymar at White House, a Tribute to Reforms Initiated by HM the King

The 2024 International Women of Courage Award which was handed, Monday in Washington, to Moroccan Rabha El Haymar is a tribute to the reforms undertaken in Morocco in the area of women’s rights under the enlightened leadership of HM King Mohammed VI. This prize was handed to Ms. El Haymar by the U.S. First Lady, Jill Biden, and Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, during a ceremony held at the White House in the presence of Morocco’s ambassador in Washington, Youssef Amrani. Ms. El Haymar, awarded alongside other women from different parts of the world, said she was happy to receive this prize which constitutes the crowning achievement of the efforts of Moroccan women. The distinction, she told MAP, is a new recognition of the judicious reforms of the Family Code initiated in 2004 “thanks to the efforts and vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI”. In this regard, she pointed out that she had benefited from the amendments made by the Family Code. “These reforms have done justice to me,” she said, while welcoming the achievements that Moroccan women continue to make. Ms. El Haymar also expressed optimism that these advances will continue as part of the dynamic inspired by the Royal desire to grant Moroccan women the place they deserve for the building of a strong and developed Morocco. The annual International Women of Courage (IWOC) Awards ceremony took place in the presence of representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited to Washington and other high-profile personalities. Now in its 18th year, the IWOC Award recognizes women from around the globe who have demonstrated exceptional courage, strength, and leadership in advocating for peace, justice, human rights, gender equity and equality, and the empowerment of women and girls.