Cairo: Minister of Social Solidarity Maya Morsy has announced that applications for the Ideal Mother Competition 2026 will open on Sunday, January 4, and will be accepted until Thursday, January 22, at social solidarity offices nationwide. The competition aims to acknowledge and honor mothers across various categories for their unique contributions and dedication.According to State Information Service Egypt, the competition will recognize several categories this year, including the Ideal Mother at the governorate level. Awards will be presented to 27 biological mothers, three foster mothers who have raised a child of unknown parentage within their families or unmarried foster mothers, and three ideal mothers of one or more persons with disabilities. An additional preference will be given to mothers whose children have achieved international championships or excelled in sports, scientific, or artistic fields.The competition also features special recognition for the mother of a martyr from the Armed Forces, nominated by the Ministry of Defense and Military Production, and the mother of a martyr from the police, nominated by the Ministry of Interior. A new category this year is the honorary recognition for a "Mother from Drama," which will honor an Egyptian actress with a notable artistic career for her portrayal of the Egyptian mother in alignment with societal values.Applicants for the categories of biological mothers or mothers of children with disabilities must meet specific eligibility criteria. These include having a unique story of giving, possessing at least basic literacy, and having no more than three children, although this condition is waived for certain border governorates. Additionally, all children must hold university degrees or be in their final years of college, with exceptions made for children with intellectual disabilities who are not educable.For mothers of children with disabilities, at least one child should have achieved distinction in sports, science, or arts. The selection criteria emphasize the importance of education, with a preference for higher educational levels, and support for working mothers, those with ill husbands, and widowed or divorced mothers.