Advancing Social Inclusion through Gender and Disability Mainstreaming in Regional Policies and Projects (MATTH0018)

Commitment ID

MATTH0018

Commitment Title

Advancing Social Inclusion through Gender and Disability Mainstreaming in Regional Policies and Projects

Problem

The Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region faces major social inclusion challenges, especially in gender equality and disability inclusion. Women continue to experience economic exclusion, with high unemployment, concentration in informal work, and limited access to land, credit, and technology—particularly in rural areas. Public policies often overlook gender considerations, reinforcing inequalities and hindering inclusive development.

People with disabilities face barriers in mobility, education, employment, and public participation due to inaccessible infrastructure and services. Their needs are frequently excluded from territorial policies, resulting in marginalization and rights violations.

Both groups are underrepresented in decision-making, leading to policies that neglect their priorities and perpetuate exclusion. The absence of gender and disability mainstreaming in planning and budgeting means these issues remain sidelined. Moreover, the lack of training and awareness among officials limits the implementation of inclusive practices.

Addressing these issues requires an integrated approach across all governance levels to build a fairer, more inclusive society.

Status quo

The state of gender and disability inclusion in the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region shows a mix of progress and persistent gaps. Morocco has established a strong national legal framework, with the 2011 Constitution promoting equality and non-discrimination, and ratified international conventions such as CEDAW and CRPD. National strategies like ICRAM and the disability inclusion plan, along with gender-responsive budgeting, reflect this commitment.

However, regional implementation remains inconsistent. While the Regional Council has launched some gender and disability-related initiatives, these efforts are fragmented and not systematically integrated into governance. Consultative bodies like the Bodies of Equity and Equal Opportunities exist but often lack resources, capacity, and institutional support. Mechanisms for engaging people with disabilities are sporadic and underdeveloped.

Data on gender and disability is limited, hindering evidence-based policymaking. Budget allocations for inclusion are insufficient, and regional gender-responsive budgeting is not fully implemented. Awareness and capacity among officials remain low, and accessibility in infrastructure and services continues to pose barriers for people with disabilities.

To overcome these challenges, a coordinated and comprehensive strategy is needed to mainstream gender and disability inclusion in all aspects of regional governance, from planning to evaluation.

Action

This commitment aims to mainstream gender and disability inclusion across all regional policies and projects through a comprehensive and integrated approach. It includes several key actions to institutionalize inclusive governance:

Annual Gender and Disability Inclusion Reports will assess the extent of integration in regional initiatives, using clear indicators and accessible formats to promote transparency and accountability. Inclusive Budgeting Practices will be adopted to analyze the impact of spending on women and people with disabilities, set equity targets, and ensure resource allocation addresses disparities, supported by targeted training for officials.

A Regional Inclusion Strategy will be developed with input from civil society, setting clear goals and measures aligned with national and international frameworks. A Regional Consultation Mechanism on Disability will ensure permanent dialogue with people with disabilities and their organizations, integrating their voices into policymaking.

Capacity building programs will equip regional staff with the knowledge and tools to implement inclusion effectively. A Methodological Guide will provide frameworks and tools to monitor and evaluate inclusion efforts. Finally, a system for submitting recommendations will allow stakeholders to influence policy through evidence-based inputs.

Together, these measures aim to embed inclusion as a core principle of regional governance, ensuring equitable development for all.

How will the commitment contribute to solving the public problem described above?

This commitment tackles exclusion through six complementary mechanisms to promote inclusion in the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region. Inclusive budgeting ensures equitable resource allocation by analyzing spending impacts on women and people with disabilities, addressing historical disparities and enhancing access to opportunities. Formal participation channels—such as the Regional Consultation Mechanism on Disability and strengthened Equity Bodies—will integrate marginalized voices into decision-making, ensuring policies reflect real needs and empower affected groups.

A Regional Inclusion Strategy, co-created with diverse stakeholders, will improve public service accessibility and infrastructure by setting clear standards and accountability measures, enhancing quality of life and social participation. Institutional capacity will be strengthened through targeted training and a Methodological Guide, equipping officials with the tools to embed inclusion into everyday governance.

Annual Inclusion Reports and formal recommendations will enhance transparency, track progress, and foster continuous learning. These tools will create accountability and generate insights to refine policies over time. Lastly, by embedding inclusion into policy and practice, the commitment aims to shift societal attitudes, normalize inclusive governance, and reduce resistance to change, fostering a sustainable culture of equality and rights for all.

What long-term goal as identified in your Open Government Strategy does this commitment relate to?

This commitment aligns with the long-term goal of creating an inclusive, equitable, and rights-based governance system that ensures all citizens, regardless of gender, disability status, or other characteristics, can participate fully in public life and benefit equally from development opportunities and public services.

Primary Policy Area

Inclusion

Primary Sector

Public Services (general)

What OGP value is this commitment relevant to?