✍️ BY: Dr. Hana Saada
From constitutional guarantees to extended leave, the State upholds its promise to protect and empower working women across society
Algiers, Algeria | April 30th, 2025 — In a significant tribute to Algerian women on the occasion of Workers’ Day, the State has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to empowering working women through robust legal protections, enhanced maternity benefits, and progressive policy reforms. These efforts, anchored in President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s presidential pledges, are part of a broader agenda to enshrine gender equity in both law and practice across Algeria.
At the core of this approach lies the 2020 Constitution, which enshrines the right of women to protection from all forms of violence—whether in public spaces, the workplace, or the private sphere. Article 40 of the Constitution expressly mandates: “The State shall ensure the protection of women against all forms of violence, regardless of the location or conditions in which it occurs, including public spaces, workplaces, and private environments.” This legal framework places Algeria among the nations that recognize violence against women not only as a social problem but also as a fundamental breach of constitutional rights.
To translate this constitutional guarantee into actionable outcomes, the Penal Code has undergone a series of amendments designed to strengthen the legal protection of women. These revisions target various forms of abuse, including harassment, sexual exploitation, physical and emotional abuse, and maltreatment. Particular attention has been given to violence committed by former spouses or ex-fiancés following the dissolution of marital or romantic ties—addressing a previously under-regulated domain of post-separation violence.
As part of this systemic reform, women who are victims of violence now have access to dedicated reception centers and a comprehensive support network, including legal assistance, medical care, and psychological counseling. These institutional mechanisms not only offer relief and redress but also affirm the State’s role in accompanying women survivors throughout their journey toward justice and recovery.
Perhaps the most emblematic recent development in favor of women workers is the presidential decision to extend the duration of paid maternity leave from 3.5 months to 5 full months. This unprecedented move surpasses the benchmarks recommended by the International Labour Organization (ILO), both in terms of duration and the indemnity rate granted to new mothers. It demonstrates the Algerian State’s deep concern for maternal and infant health while simultaneously advancing the professional dignity of working mothers.
This reform signals a paradigm shift in Algeria’s social policy: no longer should women be forced to choose between professional fulfillment and family responsibilities. By extending maternity leave, the government not only enhances social welfare but also lays the groundwork for increased productivity, well-being, and gender parity in the workplace.
President Tebboune’s initiative also reflects a strategic understanding of gender equality as a cornerstone of sustainable national development. By honoring and supporting women—particularly working mothers—Algeria is nurturing the human capital vital for building a resilient, just, and inclusive society.
In conclusion, far from symbolic gestures, Algeria’s policies toward working women are rooted in structural reform, legal reinforcement, and progressive vision. As the country celebrates Labour Day, it proudly showcases these achievements as markers of social justice, civic responsibility, and unwavering state support for every Algerian woman.
Link to N.3
Workers’ Day Series: Protecting Algerian Workers; Concrete Measures in Education, Health, and Religious Sectors Backed by Social Dialogue – N.3
