Survey: Majority of Moroccans Support Hijab in Public Spaces

Titled "Women, public space and individual freedoms!", this survey presents data on Moroccans’ opinions regarding the wearing of the hijab and women’s freedoms. Thus, we learn that 66.8% of participants declare themselves in favor of women wearing the hijab in public spaces. According to the study, this support is linked to religious and moral considerations, as well as the perception of the hijab as a symbol of modesty and respectability. It is also noted that this support increases with the education level of respondents.

At the same time, the results show that 71.68% of the sample consider women’s exercise of their individual freedoms as a matter of the right to choice, personal autonomy, and non-interference in private life. Less than 14% of participants associate the exercise of these freedoms by women with disorder or laxity.

Regarding approaches to improve women’s condition, 45.1% of participants prefer an application combining the principles of Sharia and those of the human rights system. The study qualifies this position as moderate, while noting a possible ambiguity. On the other hand, 33.2% of respondents support the exclusive application of Islamic Sharia principles. Finally, 14.98% believe that the exclusive application of human rights principles is preferable.

The study also highlights that a large majority of participants (86.79%) approve of taking into account the local specificities of Moroccan society - such as customs, traditions, social norms, and Sharia - in dealing with women’s freedom according to the universal principles of human rights.