Egypt’s new labor law is a game-changer for working women

Egypt has officially passed a new labor law that introduces significant protections and benefits for female employees. This marks a crucial step toward workplace equality, offering expanded maternity leave, childcare support, and legal safeguards against discrimination. But how will this impact working women, businesses, and the broader economy? Here’s a breakdown of the key changes and what they mean for Egypt’s workforce.

Equal rights at work: A stronger legal foundation

One of the most groundbreaking aspects of the law is its explicit commitment to gender equality in the workplace. The legislation ensures that all labor regulations apply equally to men and women as long as their working conditions are similar. This provision helps combat gender-based discrimination and gives women stronger legal footing when pursuing career opportunities.

Additionally, the law grants the Minister of Labor the authority to issue specific protections for women, including regulations on work conditions, restrictions on certain hazardous jobs, and special accommodations for working mothers.

Maternity leave gets a boost

A major win for working mothers is the expansion of paid maternity leave to four months, ensuring that at least 45 days must be taken after childbirth. This aligns Egypt more closely with international labor standards and gives women more time to recover and bond with their newborns.

Perhaps most importantly, the law explicitly prohibits employers from dismissing a female worker during her maternity leave, offering vital job security for new mothers.

However, a limitation remains—women can only take maternity leave twice during their entire career, which may be restrictive for those planning larger families.

Breastfeeding rights and childcare support

To support mothers returning to work, the law grants two additional paid breastfeeding breaks per day for the first two years after childbirth. These breaks, which can be combined into a single period, are counted as part of the working hours and do not lead to a wage reduction.

Employers are also now legally required to provide childcare support. Any workplace with 100 or more female employees must establish a nursery or partner with a childcare facility. This measure is expected to reduce the burden on working mothers and encourage more women to remain in the workforce after having children.

More flexibility for working mothers

In a bid to improve work-life balance, the law grants female employees up to two years of unpaid leave for childcare, which can be used up to three times during their career. This long-term job security helps women who need extended time off but plan to return to work later.

Additionally, the law allows women to terminate their contracts due to marriage, pregnancy, or childbirth, provided they notify their employer within three months. While this offers flexibility, it also raises concerns about whether it might unintentionally encourage women to leave the workforce instead of staying.

Balancing worker protections with employer concerns

While these reforms are a huge step forward, they also bring financial and operational challenges for businesses. The extended maternity leave, required nurseries, and job security measures could mean higher costs for employers, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

However, research suggests that companies that support working women experience higher productivity, lower turnover rates, and stronger employee loyalty. If properly implemented, these changes could create a more inclusive and sustainable work environment that benefits both employees and businesses.

A shift in Egypt’s economic landscape

Egypt has been actively working to increase female participation in the labor force, and this law could help accelerate that progress. Higher female employment is directly linked to economic growth, and these legal protections could encourage more women to pursue careers without sacrificing their family responsibilities.

However, successful implementation is key. The effectiveness of these reforms will depend on proper enforcement, employer compliance, and continuous government oversight. If done right, this law could mark a major turning point in Egypt’s labor market, ensuring that women have both the rights and the support needed to thrive in their careers.

Final thoughts: A milestone for working women

The passage of Egypt’s new labor law is a significant victory for women’s rights in the workplace. By expanding maternity leave, enforcing childcare support, and guaranteeing legal protections, the law provides a stronger foundation for gender equality in employment.

However, challenges remain—especially in balancing business interests with worker rights. As Egypt moves forward, ensuring proper enforcement and employer cooperation will be critical in making these protections a reality for working women across the country.

With this legislation in place, Egypt is taking a bold step toward a more inclusive and equitable labor market, setting a new precedent for women's employment rights in the region.