States and Social Rights: Women's Economic Citizenship in the Maghreb

This article examines recent opportunities and challenges for women's civil and economic rights in the Maghreb countries of Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia. The article begins with an overview of the economic structures of the three countries. It then describes the factors contributing to recent legal policy reforms in the Maghreb, including globalization, liberalization, education reform, and privatization. The article then analyzes family law reforms in Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia, including laws relating to female obedience of male family members, divorce, custody, dowries, polygamy, and unequal family inheritance. It then analyzes labour law and social policy reform affecting women in the three countries, including non-discrimination in the workplace, maternity leave, anti- sexual harassment legislation, and women's representation in trade unions. The author closes with recommendations for how family and labour law in Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia should be further reformed and better implemented in order to support women's rights.