Moroccan NGO Urges Legal Action Against Growing Online Bullying of Women and Girls
Tahadi Association calls for urgent legal reforms to criminalize cyberbullying in Morocco as online harassment of women and girls rises, citing mental health risks and social normalization.
The Tahadi Association for Equality and Citizenship (ATEC) has raised an alarm over the escalating wave of cyberbullying targeting women and girls in Morocco, calling it a serious and under-addressed digital crime that demands urgent legal intervention.
In a statement released on Monday, ATEC expressed “deep concern” over the normalization and increase of online harassment through social media platforms, describing it as a “socially tolerated practice” that continues to thrive due to insufficient legal protection.
“Over the past few months, this phenomenon has become one of the most widespread and socially tolerated practices among users of social media and digital networks,” the NGO stated.
ATEC highlighted how the sharing of personal photos and videos accompanied by degrading or violent commentary is becoming disturbingly common. Such acts, although harmful, often do not meet the current legal definitions of defamation or insult, leaving victims with no meaningful legal recourse.
Psychological Toll and Social Stigma
One of the most serious concerns raised by ATEC is the psychological toll that unchecked online harassment can have. The NGO warned that digital bullying can lead to depression, isolation, and even suicide attempts, especially among young girls and women who often suffer in silence due to the fear of shame or retaliation.
ATEC described the current legal framework — particularly Law 103.13, introduced in 2018 to combat gender-based violence — as insufficient in the face of modern, digital threats. While the law addresses several important issues concerning women’s safety, ATEC emphasized that it fails to keep up with the rapid evolution of online abuse tactics.
Call for Stronger Legislation
The association reiterated its long-standing call for the adoption of a comprehensive draft law specifically targeting digital violence against women and girls. It urged Moroccan lawmakers and executive authorities to introduce a clear legal definition of cyberbullying, classify it as a punishable offense, and develop mechanisms for reporting and removing harmful content online.
“The law must reflect the digital realities that Moroccan women and girls face every day,” said a spokesperson for ATEC.
While Morocco has taken some steps to address the issue, including educational training programs and public awareness campaigns, ATEC believes these efforts must be complemented by legal enforcement to truly protect vulnerable populations.
Cyberbullying in Morocco by the Numbers
The growing concern is supported by data. According to a March 2025 report from Morocco’s High Commission for Planning (HCP), approximately 282,000 women have been victims of cyberviolence, with a prevalence rate of 29.4%. These findings are drawn from a 2019 survey on violence against young girls in Morocco and reveal how pervasive digital abuse has become.
Despite the alarming statistics, law enforcement and judicial responses remain slow or absent, largely due to ambiguous legal language and a lack of digital literacy among authorities.
Need for Cultural and Institutional Change
Beyond legislation, ATEC emphasized the need for broader social reform. It called for efforts to de-stigmatize victims, educate communities, and equip law enforcement with tools and training to address digital crimes.
Morocco’s Ministry of Education has recently initiated a teacher training program to help educators identify and respond to cyberbullying in schools. However, NGOs like ATEC believe such programs must be expanded and linked to legal frameworks that offer concrete protections.
Looking Ahead
The Tahadi Association’s appeal is not just about changing laws — it’s about changing mindsets and building a digital culture where women and girls feel safe and respected. Without immediate legal reforms, the NGO warns that cyberbullying will continue to escalate, silencing the voices of thousands of Moroccan women.
ATEC concluded its statement with a strong call to action:
“The digital space must not become a new frontier for violence and impunity. Protecting women and girls online is not optional — it is a moral and legal imperative.”
As Morocco continues to modernize its legal and digital infrastructure, the question remains: will the country move swiftly enough to shield its women from online abuse that threatens not just dignity — but life itself?
