In a significant move toward fostering a fairer and safer work environment for women, the Minister of Labor, Hassan Raddad, issued Ministerial Decree No. 75 of 2026. This decree outlines the specific conditions and professions where the employment of women is regulated, with a primary focus on providing essential maternity protection and addressing occupational safety and health risks.
A Major Win for Equal Pay
The first article of the decree emphasizes that all labor regulations governing employees apply to women without discrimination. Most importantly, it mandates that men and women must receive equal pay for work of equal value. This equality extends to all forms of compensation, including monetary and in-kind benefits, incentives, and allowances, ensuring that female professionals are recognized and rewarded fairly for their contributions.
Protecting Health During Pregnancy and Nursing
To safeguard reproductive health and the safety of newborns, the decree prohibits the employment of women in several hazardous professions during legally prescribed pregnancy and nursing periods. These restricted areas include:
– Chemical Risks: Industries involving lead, mercury, asphalt, rubber, pesticides, and fertilizers.
– Physical Risks: Working with melting furnaces, exposure to harmful radiation, or extreme heat environments.
– Biological and Engineering Risks: Leather tanning, organic fertilizer warehouses, and roles involving heavy manual lifting, carrying, or dragging.
Regulations for Night Work and Daytime Alternatives
The decree permits women to work at night upon their request across various establishments, provided that necessary health and safety measures are in place. For industrial facilities, night work is defined as the period between 10 PM and 7 AM. To ensure the safety of female employees during these hours, employers are required to provide safe transportation and access to first aid.
Furthermore, the decree obligates employers to provide an alternative daytime role for pregnant employees for a period of at least 16 weeks, covering 8 weeks before delivery and 8 weeks after.
Commitment to Monitoring and Empowerment
The Gender Equality Unit at the Ministry of Labor is tasked with coordinating with relevant entities to conduct impact assessment studies. These studies will monitor the implementation of these regulations to ensure that women’s economic empowerment is achieved within a safe and supportive professional atmosphere.
This decree was officially published in the Egyptian Gazette (Al-Waqa’i’ al-Misriyya) on May 17, 2026, and supersedes any previous regulations that contradict its provisions, marking a new chapter for the protection and advancement of women in the Egyptian labor market.
