The average for 2024 based on 176 countries was 51.13 percent. The highest value was in Madagascar: 82.56 percent and the lowest value was in Yemen: 4.91 percent. The indicator is available from 1990 to 2024. Below is a chart for all countries where data are available.

The Bahamas had the highest female employment-to-population ratio in the world in 2023 at 90 percent of the women in working age in some form of employment. Iceland had the second highest female employment rate of the countries, reaching 81 percent.

The lowest female employment rate worldwide was found in Iraq, reaching only ***** percent. The Palestinian Territories and Sudan followed behind. A high number of the countries on the list are predominantly Muslim. Bahamas had the highest female employment rate in the world.

The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region shows wide variation in estimated female labor force participation rates (LFPR) among women aged between 15 and 64 years for 2024. North Korea had the highest estimated LFPR in APAC, at about ** percent. Countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Singapore had some of the highest female LFPR in the region, while South Asian countries like Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, and India had some of the lowest shares of women in the labor force. This stark contrast highlights the diverse economic and social landscapes across the region, reflecting varying levels of gender equality and women's empowerment. More opportunities for women? With growing emphasis on gender equality, women across the Asia-Pacific region have gained greater access to education and professional opportunities. Notably, in 2022, many countries across the region had a higher female to male ratio in tertiary education. However, gender inequality in access to opportunities persists, as the proportion of young women not in education, employment, or training (NEET) is significantly higher than the overall youth NEET rate across APAC countries. This disparity is especially pronounced in South Asia, where deep-rooted cultural, social, and economic barriers continue to limit women’s full participation in the workforce. Women in positions of power Despite efforts to advance gender equality, women are still underrepresented in decision-making positions in many governments across the Asia-Pacific region. As such, there was a much lower female representation in ministerial level positions in most APAC countries, compared to that of men. However, New Zealand and Australia stand out for exhibiting a more balanced gender representation in political leadership.

Global Female Self-Employment Rate by Country, 2023 Discover more data with ReportLinker!

Data showing labour force participation for women 1990 - 2021

Graph and download economic data for Labor Force Participation Rate - Women (LNS11300002) from Jan 1948 to Sep 2025 about females, participation, 16 years +, labor force, labor, household survey, rate, and USA.

Global Female Part Time Employment Rate by Country, 2023 Discover more data with ReportLinker!

Context

In the intricate tapestry of gender disparities, the Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) serves as a crucial thread that weaves through the fabric of economic activity. Examining LFPR through the lens of the Gender Inequality Index (GII) sheds light on the distinctive experiences of men and women in the workforce, unraveling disparities and inequities that persist in our societies.

Male Labour Force Participation Rate: For men, the LFPR becomes a gauge of economic engagement and contribution to societal progress. Traditionally, societal expectations have often encouraged a high male LFPR, positioning men as primary breadwinners. The index, when analyzed within the context of GII, reveals not only the quantity but also the quality of male participation in the workforce. High LFPR for men might suggest economic activity, but it doesn't necessarily capture the nuances of workplace gender dynamics, occupational segregation, or disparities in income.

Female Labour Force Participation Rate: Conversely, the LFPR for women emerges as a pivotal indicator of empowerment and gender equality. A rising female LFPR signals a departure from traditional norms, reflecting increased opportunities, access to education, and a broader recognition of women's roles in society. However, the GII prompts a deeper examination, delving into the quality of female participation. Disparities may persist in terms of wage gaps, representation in leadership roles, and challenges related to work-life balance.

Content

This dataset provides comprehensive historical data on gender development indicators at a global level. It includes essential columns such as ISO3 (the ISO3 code for each country/territory), Country (the name of the country or territory), Continent (the continent where the country is located), Hemisphere (the hemisphere in which the country is situated), Human Development Groups, UNDP Developing Regions, HDI Rank (2021) representing the Human Development Index Rank for the year 2021 and Labour force participation rate for male and female (% ages 15 and older) spanning from 1990 to 2021.

Dataset Glossary (Column-wise)

• ISO3 - ISO3 for the Country/Territory
• Country - Name of the Country/Territory
• Continent - Name of the Continent
• Hemisphere - Name of the Hemisphere
• Human Development Groups - Human Development Groups
• UNDP Developing Regions - UNDP Developing Regions
• HDI Rank (2021) - Human Development Index Rank for 2021
• Labour force participation rate, male and female (% ages 15 and older) from 1990 to 2021 - Labour force participation rate for male and female from 1990 to 2021

Data Dictionary

• UNDP Developing Regions:
  • SSA - Sub-Saharan Africa
  • LAC - Latin America and the Caribbean
  • EAP - East Asia and the Pacific
  • AS - Arab States
  • ECA - Europe and Central Asia
  • SA - South Asia

Structure of the Dataset

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Acknowledgement

This Dataset is created from Human Development Reports. This Dataset falls under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 IGO License. You can check the Terms of Use of this Data. If you want to learn more, visit the Website.

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Ukraine Labour Force: Working Age: Female: Employment Rate data was reported at 60.500 % in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 60.200 % for 2016. Ukraine Labour Force: Working Age: Female: Employment Rate data is updated yearly, averaging 62.750 % from Dec 2004 (Median) to 2017, with 14 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 63.900 % in 2008 and a record low of 60.200 % in 2016. Ukraine Labour Force: Working Age: Female: Employment Rate data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by State Statistics Service of Ukraine. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Ukraine – Table UA.G010: Labour Force: Annual. Persons in working ages are men 16–59 years old and women aged 16–54 years old inclusively.

This dataset provides values for LABOR FORCE PARTICIPATION RATE reported in several countries. The data includes current values, previous releases, historical highs and record lows, release frequency, reported unit and currency.

Graph and download economic data for Employment Rate: Aged 25-54: Females for the Euro Area (19 Countries) (LREM25FEEZQ156N) from Q2 2000 to Q4 2022 about 25 to 54 years, employment-population ratio, females, Euro Area, Europe, population, employment, and rate.

Venezuela Labour Force: Female: Employment Rate data was reported at 91.700 % in Apr 2016. This records a decrease from the previous number of 92.490 % for Mar 2016. Venezuela Labour Force: Female: Employment Rate data is updated monthly, averaging 89.880 % from Jan 1999 (Median) to Apr 2016, with 206 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 93.670 % in Dec 2012 and a record low of 76.419 % in Jan 2004. Venezuela Labour Force: Female: Employment Rate data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Institute of Statistics. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Venezuela – Table VE.G003: Labour Force.

Thailand: Female labor force participation rate: The latest value from 2024 is 58.85 percent, a decline from 59.28 percent in 2023. In comparison, the world average is 51.13 percent, based on data from 176 countries. Historically, the average for Thailand from 1990 to 2024 is 63.6 percent. The minimum value, 58.85 percent, was reached in 2024 while the maximum of 67.83 percent was recorded in 1997.

Egypt: Female labor force participation rate: The latest value from 2024 is 15.07 percent, a decline from 15.3 percent in 2023. In comparison, the world average is 51.13 percent, based on data from 176 countries. Historically, the average for Egypt from 1990 to 2024 is 20.46 percent. The minimum value, 14.61 percent, was reached in 2020 while the maximum of 23.33 percent was recorded in 2007.

Female Part Time Employment Rate in Latin America by Country, 2023 Discover more data with ReportLinker!

The Netherlands was the country in the world with the highest labor force participation rate among young women in 2022, reaching over ** percent. It was also the country with the highest labor force participation rate among young men.

Portugal Employment Rate: Female data was reported at 62.500 % in Oct 2025. This records a decrease from the previous number of 62.800 % for Sep 2025. Portugal Employment Rate: Female data is updated monthly, averaging 50.600 % from Feb 1998 (Median) to Oct 2025, with 333 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 62.900 % in Aug 2025 and a record low of 48.800 % in Mar 2013. Portugal Employment Rate: Female data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Statistics Portugal. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Portugal – Table PT.G: Labour Force Survey: Employment Rate: by Age and Sex.

European Union Employment Rate: EA 19: Female: Age 55 to 64 data was reported at 58.000 % in Mar 2023. This records an increase from the previous number of 57.900 % for Dec 2022. European Union Employment Rate: EA 19: Female: Age 55 to 64 data is updated quarterly, averaging 48.600 % from Mar 2009 (Median) to Mar 2023, with 57 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 58.000 % in Mar 2023 and a record low of 36.400 % in Mar 2009. European Union Employment Rate: EA 19: Female: Age 55 to 64 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Eurostat. The data is categorized under Global Database’s European Union – Table EU.G009: Eurostat: Employment Rate.

Ukraine Labour Force: 15 to 70 Years: Female: Employment Rate data was reported at 51.400 % in 2017. This records a decrease from the previous number of 51.600 % for 2016. Ukraine Labour Force: 15 to 70 Years: Female: Employment Rate data is updated yearly, averaging 53.400 % from Dec 2004 (Median) to 2017, with 14 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 55.300 % in 2013 and a record low of 51.400 % in 2017. Ukraine Labour Force: 15 to 70 Years: Female: Employment Rate data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by State Statistics Service of Ukraine. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Ukraine – Table UA.G010: Labour Force: Annual.