Egypt: Women activists slam early retirement plan

Reforms permitting optional early retirement for women from the semi-private industrial sector will result in increased marginalisation of female workers, according to women’s groups. Under a reform package which went into effect on 15 January, women will have the option to retire at age 45 if they have worked for the same company for at least 19 years. Previously, the retirement age for women was set at 50, the same as for men.