Feminization of Sports and the Rise of School Sports in Morocco
Feminization of Sports: A Growing Role for Women in Moroccan Sports
The increasing involvement of women in Moroccan sports and the importance of school sports were the focal points of a meeting held on Wednesday in Marrakech, coinciding with the conclusion of a training cycle dedicated to coaches, leaders, and referees, organized within the framework of the international program “HAVOBA.”
This gathering brought together Moroccan officials, French experts, and institutional stakeholders, shining a light on the significant challenges associated with increasing female participation in sports and enhancing school sports, both considered essential drivers for the development of team sports in Morocco.
Participants discussed strategies for structuring the training of educators and coaches, as well as actions to encourage young girls to pursue a comprehensive sports career, ranging from participation to officiating and sports management.
Abdeslam Mili, the director of the promotion of school sports at the Ministry of National Education, Preschool, and Sports, highlighted the national strategy aimed at broadening access to sports, particularly for girls. Fahd Ouazzani, Secretary General of the Royal Moroccan Volleyball Federation (FRMVB), praised the success of the “HAVOBA” program, a result of active cooperation between Moroccan and French federations.
Bertrand Leys, Deputy National Technical Director of the French Volleyball Federation, specified that the program encompasses several areas: promotion of women’s and school sports, training for coaches, development of referees, digital tools, and sports governance.
Bouchra Hajij, President of the African Volleyball Confederation (CAVB) and the FRMVB, emphasized that these training sessions form a fundamental pillar in the restructuring of African federations, particularly for reducing gender disparities and encouraging women to enter sports-related professions.
In total, fifteen Moroccan professionals—coaches, leaders, and referees—benefited from this training session, which is part of the FRMVB’s 2026 project aimed at strengthening regional competencies and promoting junior categories.
The meeting concluded with a presentation of the “HAVOBA” program’s objectives and the official awarding of certifications to participants. Supported by the French federations of handball, volleyball, and basketball, and backed by the French Development Agency (AFD), this program aspires to enhance the social impact of these disciplines across Africa by fostering inclusive sports practices and contributing to the reduction of inequalities between women and men.
