The two sessions, funded by the Union to Union (UTU), are part of the project ‘Safe and equal media sector for women and young journalists’ that seeks to strengthen trade unions’ and journalists’ rights, and ensure a policy of zero tolerance to sexual and gender-based violence. 

Zero tolerance to gender-based violence 

Expert Monia Hajjib and lawyer Maryam Jamal Al Idriss emphasised the importance of the ILO 190 Convention in fighting sexual harassment in the world of work. Idriss saidi: “It is the first international treaty to recognise the right of everyone to a world of work free from violence and harassment, including gender-based violence”.

The aim of the workshop held on 3 October was to spark conversations around the need to establish a mechanism within unions to address issues of sexual harassment. Houda Ben Allal, a representative of one of IFJ’s French affiliates, SNJ-CGT, shared an overview of her union’s experience in creating a similar mechanism, and the tools to ensure its effectiveness. 

Following the presentations, journalists and union members agreed on the structure and objectives of the mechanism that the SNPM will now establish. The union will set up a committee of 11 union members from within its structures who have expertise in gender equality and press freedom issues as well as members of the National Federal Council. It will be led by a woman journalist and will comprise an equal number of men and women. Furthermore, the panel will include five external individuals with wide knowledge and experience in the field of human rights, gender-based violence and psychology, among others.  

This committee will ensure broad representation across Morocco, allowing each member to receive complaints and monitor cases in coordination with regional offices.

Enhancing the rights of journalists and trade unionists

To support journalists’ fundamental right to access information and renew their collective agreement for better working conditions. These were among the priorities outlined by journalists and SNPM’s trade union leaders who came together on 2 October in Casablanca  to attend the IFJ’s workshop. Participants agreed to launch a nationwide campaign to advocate for journalists’ access to information – an aspect that is of paramount importance for the exercise of the profession. 

SNPM President Kebir Akhchichine underpinned the need to strengthen tools and mechanisms to defend journalists' rights in the country, and emphasised the importance of engaging young journalists in unions. “Young union leaders play a critical role in keeping pace with the profound transformations in the media industry. Our responsibility is to ensure that trade unions are a tool to steer positive change”. 

IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger stated IFJ’s full commitment to SNPM priorities, which resonate with those of journalists’ unions and associations across the world. “Providing a safe working environment that upholds journalists' professional and social rights is essential for the development of the profession and its sustainability. The fight for decent working conditions and journalists’ rights is global. Moroccan journalists can count on our full support on this front”.