Abstract
This thesis studies the changes in the lives of unwed mothers in
Morocco since the ratification of the Convention for the
Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women in 1993.
The CEDAW aims to protect marginalized groups of women everywhere,
and in Morocco, one such group is unwed mothers. This case study
evaluates the efficacy of the CEDAW by examining three aspects of
the treaty: local methods of implementation, ways of measuring
results, and enforcing change. Data have been collected from
personal interviews with unwed mothers and scholars in Morocco,
library research, published reports, and newspapers. This thesis
challenges the notion that a treaty must be binding and
prescriptive to be effective. Some think that the CEDAW is too
broad to be applied everywhere, and not powerful enough to enforce
implementation. This study finds that the CEDAW focuses on
empowering local actors and NGOs to create meaningful and lasting
change in ways that are culturally appropriate in their
communities. By studying the experience of unwed mothers since the
ratification of the CEDAW, other countries can learn from the
difficulties Morocco faced in applying new laws, and can adopt
successful methods of implementation.
Table of Contents
Methodology..........................................................................................
1
Introduction............................................................................................
3
Background............................................................................................
6
CEDAW as an International
Treaty........................................................
8
Overview of
CEDAW.......................................................................
13
Examination of CEDAW in Similar
Countries................................. 32
Examining the CEDAW and Women in
Morocco............................ 44
The Lives of Unwed
Mothers................................................................
51
Roles of NGOs in the Lives of Moroccan
Women........................... 52
Legal
Discrimination........................................................................
57
Poor Implementation and Social
Factors.......................................... 59
Defining CEDAW's Role in Changing
Laws......................................... 76
CEDAW's Enforcement
Methods.....................................................
76
CEDAW and the Mudawwana
Reforms........................................... 79
Conclusion.............................................................................................
86
Bibliography..........................................................................................
88
About this Honors Thesis
Rights statement
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