The Ministry of Solidarity participated in Egypt’s official delegation at the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of human rights before the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, under the leadership of Dr. Badr Abdel-Aty, Minister of Foreign Affairs.
This engagement reflects Egypt’s ongoing commitment to advancing human rights, with a particular focus on women’s rights and gender equality in the workplace. Dr. Ihab Abdel-Aty, Legal Advisor to the Minister of Labor, reaffirmed that Egypt remains dedicated to ensuring the right to work, the right to fair working conditions, and the right to form trade unions—essential human rights that underpin broader social equity.
Egypt has ratified 65 labor conventions, including those central to women’s rights in the workplace, and is considering the ratification of three more. Dr. Abdel-Aty emphasized Egypt’s partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO) in developing and implementing policies that create fair and decent work environments, specifically addressing gender disparities.
Key Efforts to Promote Women’s Employment and Equality in the Workforce
The Egyptian government has made significant strides in reducing the unemployment rate, which reached 6.7% in 2024. Special attention has been given to ensuring that women have equal opportunities to participate in the workforce. To this end, a key focus of Egypt’s national policy is the reduction of female unemployment by 2% annually, as part of its broader agenda to increase gender equality in the labor market.
In support of this initiative, Egypt has launched the National Gender Equality Strategy in the Workplace, aimed at promoting equal opportunities for women and creating a fair work environment. A dedicated gender equality unit was established within the Ministry of Labor, with branches in each governorate. This initiative also includes creating gender equality units within private sector organizations, ensuring that women in the workforce are supported and empowered across all sectors.
Additionally, Egypt has worked closely with the National Council for Women to address challenges such as workplace harassment and violence. The government has lifted restrictions on women working in certain sectors and at specific times, broadening the scope of employment opportunities for women in Egypt.
Advancing Women’s Rights in the Informal Economy
Another critical area of focus is the support for informal workers, a large portion of whom are women. Egypt’s commitment to this demographic includes providing healthcare programs, small business financing, and enhanced training and job placement services. The government has allocated 7 billion Egyptian pounds to support informal workers, offering both direct financial aid and access to essential social services.
Domestic Workers and New Legal Protections
In an effort to protect vulnerable women workers, particularly those in domestic work, the Ministry of Labor has prepared comprehensive legislation that seeks to regulate the employment of domestic workers and ensure their rights. This legal framework will safeguard their well-being, providing greater protections and fair working conditions, which are especially crucial for women employed in this sector.
Comprehensive Labor Law and Rights for Women
The Ministry has also completed the drafting of a new Labor Law, in collaboration with the ILO and following extensive consultations. The law includes provisions to combat workplace violence, including sexual harassment, and guarantees paid maternity leave for women. It also ensures equal rights for men and women in family-related leaves, such as paternity leave, aiming to balance domestic responsibilities between men and women.
The new law will further support gender equality by establishing specialized labor courts, providing protections for migrant workers, and promoting equality for both Egyptian and foreign workers in the labor market.
Empowering Women in the Workforce
The Egyptian government’s participation in the Universal Periodic Review process underscores the country’s commitment to advancing gender equality and protecting the rights of women in the labor market. Through these comprehensive initiatives—focused on gender equality, job security, and enhanced support for vulnerable workers—Egypt is working towards creating a more inclusive, fair, and prosperous labor market for all. These efforts not only align with Egypt’s national development goals but also contribute to the global movement for women’s rights and equality in the workplace.
