A recent decision by Egypt's Ministry of Social Solidarity mandating all youth to complete at least a year's worth of community service has caused a stir among Egyptians, with some even describing it as compulsory civil conscription for women.
The decision is the first to impact women in 2017, a year that Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has labeled the "Year of Women." According to ministry officials, many companies will require a certificate of completion of public service upon hiring. The decision, which is based on the 1973 Public Service Act No. 76, will go into effect in February.