The 'Tax' on Working Mothers: Blame, Neglect, and the Lack of Childcare in Egypt

A tragic incident where a father allegedly forgot his young child in a car, resulting in the child's death, has sparked widespread public condemnation on social media in Egypt. The article, however, urges a more compassionate response, arguing that the intense criticism directed at the grieving father and mother overlooks their profound suffering and the complexities of parental responsibility.

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We don't know the real reason he forgot his 'little one,' and as we always say, 'May God protect us from negligence.'

The author pushes back against what they describe as excessive "lecturing" and "scolding," suggesting that some public posts, while condemning, also express empathy for the father's lifelong remorse. The piece questions the focus on the mother's decision to enroll her three-year-old in a private nursery without considering her work circumstances or the early educational demands for children starting at age four.

Instead, the article shifts the focus to systemic issues, questioning the blame placed on the father, who was reportedly watching a national football match, a common activity for many Egyptians amidst stressful times. It invokes the common plea, "May God protect us from negligence," while suggesting that the true cause might be more complex than simple oversight. The author draws a parallel to their own experience as a young journalist 21 years prior, commuting long distances with their infant son, facing difficult conditions, and being blamed by a doctor for the child's respiratory issues, only for the doctor to later attribute it to "officials' negligence" due to smog.

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But negligence of officials due to the black cloud.

The core argument is that Egyptian society lacks sufficient, trustworthy childcare facilities for working mothers, despite labor laws mandating employers to establish or contract with daycare centers for children under four. These facilities are supposed to be equipped for children with disabilities. The article questions whether these laws are truly implemented, suggesting that the tragic incident involving the child answers this question. It implies that before blaming parents, society should address the inadequate infrastructure and enforcement of supportive policies for working parents.

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Before we blame fathers and mothers, do we have a real application of the labor law on the ground? I believe the tragic incident of this child has answered the question.