Morocco Industry Sees 41% Female Workforce, Outpacing Global Peers

Casablanca – Women now make up a significant share of Morocco’s industrial workforce, placing the country ahead of several major economies. Women account for 41% of the workforce, according to a study presented during the first edition of the International Women in Industry Day, organized by the Ministry of Industry and Trade in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization.

This figure puts Morocco ahead of countries like France at 30%, the US at 28.7%, and the UK at 28.4%. It is not full parity, but it is close enough to stand out, especially in a field historically dominated by men.

The numbers shift depending on the sector. Textile leads with 62% women, followed by pharmaceuticals at 44% and agro-food at 43%. Automotive, aeronautics, and leather industries all sit at 41%. These are key sectors, forming the backbone of Morocco’s industrial strategy.

Read also: GIZ, We4She Launch Landmark Initiative to Advance Women’s Inclusion in Future-Focused Sectors

Over the past decade, the structure of employment has also changed. What officials describe as a “major shift” took place between 2015 and 2025, with more focus on higher value-added jobs. The share of women in operator roles dropped slightly to 48%, down four points, as more women are moving into skilled, better-paid positions.

Women currently hold 32% of qualified roles, up six points in ten years. Automotive, textile, and agro-food sectors are driving that trend. At the same time, access to leadership positions is slowly opening up. Women now represent 30% of senior executives and directors, an increase of eight points since 2015. Managers stand at 31%, engineers and executives at 30%, and technicians at 33%.

Some sectors are moving faster than others. Aeronautics is emerging as a strong pathway, with 39% women in qualified roles and 42% among engineers. It has also seen some of the biggest gains in management and leadership positions. The pharmaceutical industry, meanwhile, is the only one maintaining at least 41% women across all job categories, with near parity in several roles.

The event, attended by Industry Minister Ryad Mezzour and Sanae Lahlou, focused on inclusion but also on performance. Beyond balance, the push to include more women is tied to skills, competitiveness, and how the sector develops.

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