Morocco’s industrial sector has reached a new milestone, with women now comprising 41% of the total workforce. This figure, presented during the inaugural International Women in Industry Day organized by Morocco’s Ministry of Industry and Trade and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), positions the North African nation ahead of several global economic players in female industrial participation.
Quick Facts
- 41% female representation in Morocco’s industrial sector.
- Outpaces the US (28.7%) and the UK (28.4%).
- Women now hold 32% of all qualified roles.
A Sector-by-Sector Breakdown
The data reveals varying levels of female participation across Morocco’s key industries. The textile sector leads with a 62% female workforce, making it a majority-female industry. It is followed by pharmaceuticals at 44% and the agro-food industry at 43%.
Other core components of Morocco’s industrial base, including the automotive, aeronautics, and leather industries, all report a 41% female workforce, aligning with the national average. These sectors are central to the country’s economic development and export strategy.
The Shift to High-Value Roles
Beyond overall representation, a significant structural change has occurred in the nature of jobs held by women over the last decade. A report tracking progress between 2015 and 2025 highlighted a clear move towards higher value-added positions.
The share of women in operator roles has decreased by four points to 48%, indicating a pivot away from entry-level labor. Concurrently, female representation in qualified, skilled positions has climbed six points to 32%. This trend is particularly strong in the automotive, textile, and agro-food sectors.
Access to leadership is also expanding. Women now occupy 30% of senior executive and director roles, an eight-point increase since 2015. The data shows similar progress across the management chain, with women making up 31% of managers, 30% of engineers and executives, and 33% of technicians.
Aeronautics and Pharma Emerge as Key Pathways
While progress is broad, the aeronautics and pharmaceutical industries stand out for advancing women into specialized roles. In aeronautics, women hold 39% of qualified positions and 42% of engineering roles, showing strong representation in technical fields. This sector has also posted some of the most significant gains in management and leadership.
The pharmaceutical industry is the only sector to maintain a female workforce of at least 41% across every job category, from production to leadership, achieving near-parity in several key functions.
About the International Women in Industry Day Initiative
The International Women in Industry Day is an initiative organized by Morocco’s Ministry of Industry and Trade in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). The event focuses on promoting inclusion and performance within the country’s industrial sector, linking greater female participation to enhanced skills, competitiveness, and overall sector development.
Source: Morocco World News
