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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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.

In 2024, around **** percent of the male population and **** percent of the female population aged 15 years and above in Japan were in the workforce nationally. The labor force participation rate among women reached the highest share since 1973. Female employment rate Japan’s employment rate, the share of people who are employed among the total population aged 15 years and above, rose to **** percent in the same year. It was mainly a higher share of ***** in employment that contributed to the overall increase in the employment rate in 2024. Despite the female employment rate reaching an all-time high, a significantly larger share of women, over **** of female employees, were in non-regular employment, such as part-time and temporary work. Distinctive work patterns of women shaped by Japan’s labor market and corporate culture are one of the reasons for its gender gap when it comes to equal economic participation. Women’s work patterns One of these work patterns is the M-shaped curve of female labor participation. The curve reflects the trend that female labor force participation peaks in the age group of ** to **-year-olds and then falls, as women drop out of the workforce upon life events such as marriage and childbirth, only to reenter the workforce at a later stage. This curve has gradually flattened in recent years, as fewer women left the workforce in their ********. However, the so-called L-shaped curve of women in regular employment suggests that instead, fewer women stay in regular employment. The percentage of women working in regular full-time jobs peaks in the age bracket of ** to **-year-olds and then declines steadily. This makes women less likely to enter leadership positions.

United States US: Labour Force Participation Rate: Modeled ILO Estimate: Ratio of Female to Male data was reported at 81.641 % in 2017. This records a decrease from the previous number of 81.668 % for 2016. United States US: Labour Force Participation Rate: Modeled ILO Estimate: Ratio of Female to Male data is updated yearly, averaging 80.555 % from Dec 1990 (Median) to 2017, with 28 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 82.223 % in 2010 and a record low of 74.649 % in 1990. United States US: Labour Force Participation Rate: Modeled ILO Estimate: Ratio of Female to Male data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.World Bank.WDI: Labour Force. Labor force participation rate is the proportion of the population ages 15 and older that is economically active: all people who supply labor for the production of goods and services during a specified period. Ratio of female to male labor force participation rate is calculated by dividing female labor force participation rate by male labor force participation rate and multiplying by 100.; ; Derived using data from International Labour Organization, ILOSTAT database. Data retrieved in September 2018.; Weighted average; Data up to 2016 are estimates while data from 2017 are projections. National estimates are also available in the WDI database. Caution should be used when comparing ILO estimates with national estimates.

Actual value and historical data chart for Sweden Ratio Of Female To Male Labor Force Participation Rate Percent National Estimate

Germany DE: Labour Force Participation Rate: National Estimate: Ratio of Female to Male data was reported at 84.557 % in 2023. This records an increase from the previous number of 84.326 % for 2022. Germany DE: Labour Force Participation Rate: National Estimate: Ratio of Female to Male data is updated yearly, averaging 76.088 % from Dec 1983 (Median) to 2023, with 41 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 84.557 % in 2023 and a record low of 57.039 % in 1983. Germany DE: Labour Force Participation Rate: National Estimate: Ratio of Female to Male data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Germany – Table DE.World Bank.WDI: Labour Force. Labor force participation rate is the proportion of the population ages 15 and older that is economically active: all people who supply labor for the production of goods and services during a specified period. Ratio of female to male labor force participation rate is calculated by dividing female labor force participation rate by male labor force participation rate and multiplying by 100.;World Bank, World Development Indicators database. Estimates are based on data obtained from International Labour Organization, ILOSTAT at https://ilostat.ilo.org/data/.;Weighted average;The series for ILO estimates is also available in the WDI database. Caution should be used when comparing ILO estimates with national estimates.

Graph and download economic data for Labor Force Participation Rate - Men (LNS11300001) from Jan 1948 to Sep 2025 about males, participation, 16 years +, labor force, labor, household survey, rate, and USA.

In a survey conducted between July 2023 and June 2024, the rate of labor participation for the urban male population was over ** percent compared to the over ** percent rate among females. The rate of labor participation in rural areas was lower across genders.

Denmark DK: Labour Force Participation Rate: Modeled ILO Estimate: Ratio of Female to Male data was reported at 88.092 % in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 88.010 % for 2016. Denmark DK: Labour Force Participation Rate: Modeled ILO Estimate: Ratio of Female to Male data is updated yearly, averaging 84.631 % from Dec 1990 (Median) to 2017, with 28 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 88.553 % in 2013 and a record low of 79.338 % in 1995. Denmark DK: Labour Force Participation Rate: Modeled ILO Estimate: Ratio of Female to Male data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Denmark – Table DK.World Bank.WDI: Labour Force. Labor force participation rate is the proportion of the population ages 15 and older that is economically active: all people who supply labor for the production of goods and services during a specified period. Ratio of female to male labor force participation rate is calculated by dividing female labor force participation rate by male labor force participation rate and multiplying by 100.; ; Derived using data from International Labour Organization, ILOSTAT database. Data retrieved in September 2018.; Weighted average; Data up to 2016 are estimates while data from 2017 are projections. National estimates are also available in the WDI database. Caution should be used when comparing ILO estimates with national estimates.

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.

In 2024, approximately **** percent of women in South Korea aged 15 years and older participated in the labor force, marking a slight increase from the previous year. The female labor force participation rate in South Korea has steadily risen in recent years. However, it remains significantly below the average of the member countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
South Korean women in the labor market An increasing number of women in South Korea are entering the labor market. However, they remain significantly underrepresented. For example, the share of female managers is still low, and despite some progress in recent years, women are underrepresented in fields such as law and politics. This inequality is also evident in the pay gap. South Korean women earn, on average, ** percent less than their male counterparts. Gender equality South Korea's gender divide has become increasingly prominent in recent years. While there has been progress in achieving equality for women over the past few decades, disparities between men and women still exist across all areas of society. According to a survey, discrimination against women was perceived to be more widespread than discrimination against men in various settings. Around half of the respondents considered discrimination against women in the workplace to be a serious issue, while only ** percent felt the same about discrimination against men.

Cuba CU: Labour Force Participation Rate: Modeled ILO Estimate: Ratio of Female to Male data was reported at 60.333 % in 2024. This records a decrease from the previous number of 60.709 % for 2023. Cuba CU: Labour Force Participation Rate: Modeled ILO Estimate: Ratio of Female to Male data is updated yearly, averaging 60.251 % from Dec 1990 (Median) to 2024, with 35 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 65.116 % in 2018 and a record low of 47.646 % in 1994. Cuba CU: Labour Force Participation Rate: Modeled ILO Estimate: Ratio of Female to Male data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Cuba – Table CU.World Bank.WDI: Labour Force. Labor force participation rate is the proportion of the population ages 15 and older that is economically active: all people who supply labor for the production of goods and services during a specified period. Ratio of female to male labor force participation rate is calculated by dividing female labor force participation rate by male labor force participation rate and multiplying by 100.;World Bank, World Development Indicators database. Estimates are based on data obtained from International Labour Organization, ILOSTAT at https://ilostat.ilo.org/data/.;Weighted average;National estimates are also available in the WDI database. Caution should be used when comparing ILO estimates with national estimates.

Approximately 55 percent of Russian women and 70 percent of men aged 15 years and above were economically active in 2022. Both female and male labor force participation rates saw a slight decrease from the previous year. Over the period under consideration, the share of women that were part of the labor force peaked at nearly 56.4 percent in 2011.

Ratio of female to male labor force participation rate (%) (national estimate) in South Asia was reported at 44.38 % in 2024, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. South Asia - Ratio of female to male labor force participation rate (national estimate) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on November of 2025.

In 2024, the labor force participation rate of men in South Korea was **** percent, while that for women was **** percent. Although the female labor force participation rate in South Korea has risen steadily over the last few years, it is still far below the average of the member countries of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

In 2024, the female labor force participation rate in Singapore was at 62.8 percent. This places Singapore behind countries in the APAC region like Vietnam and New Zealand. Demand for female labor Women's participation rate in the labor force varies with age. From the ages of 25 to 29, the labor force participation rate of males and females in Singapore is comparable. The gender gap in the local labor force only emerges when women enter their 30s. Generally, however, the men were more active in the workforce than women. This too is reflected in the boardroom. In 2019, just 18.4 percent of members of boards of directors in Singapore were women. Female labor force and an aging population In the face of a rapidly aging population, there is a higher demand for labor in Singapore’s workforce. The labor force participation rate for women aged 65 years and older increased by almost ten percent in the past decade . Measures were introduced by some firms in recent years to ease women’s participation in the workforce. This includes ad hoc flexible work arrangements, such as unplanned time-off and telecommuting. Singapore has also implemented several enhanced maternity benefits and leave schemes for working parents.

In 2023, the female to male labor force participation rate stood at approximately **** percent in Papua New Guinea. Comparatively, the female to male labor force participation rate in Afghanistan amounted to about ***** percent that same year.

In 2023, the labor force participation rate for women in Ghana reached **** percent, a slight decrease from the previous year. Between 2010 and 2016, the rate steadily decreased, while from 2016 onwards, slight general increases were registered. Men are in the lead in labor force Among the male population, the labor participation rate stood at around **** percent as of 2023. The labor force in Ghana was slightly higher among men compared to women, as the latter represented ** percent of the total. Overall, the majority of the workforce, over **** million people, were aged 25 years and older as of 2023. Overall employment situation Ghana has a population of over ** million, with an estimated median age of **** years as of 2020. In 2023, around **** million people were employed in the country, a rise compared to previous years. Furthermore, the services sector is a leading sector in employment, followed by agriculture and industries. In 2022, more than ** percent of the total employment in Ghana was in the services sector, while close to ** percent was in the industry sector. Also, in terms of employment in agriculture, most of the employees were men.

In 2023, the labor force participation rate of men in Malaysia was **** percent. This was significantly higher than the participation rate of women in the workforce, which was **** percent. The labor force participation rate is defined as the percentage of the population working or actively seeking work. In that year, the size of

Austria AT: Labour Force Participation Rate: National Estimate: Ratio of Female to Male data was reported at 85.278 % in 2023. This records an increase from the previous number of 84.803 % for 2022. Austria AT: Labour Force Participation Rate: National Estimate: Ratio of Female to Male data is updated yearly, averaging 76.326 % from Dec 1961 (Median) to 2023, with 46 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 85.278 % in 2023 and a record low of 52.816 % in 1971. Austria AT: Labour Force Participation Rate: National Estimate: Ratio of Female to Male data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Austria – Table AT.World Bank.WDI: Labour Force. Labor force participation rate is the proportion of the population ages 15 and older that is economically active: all people who supply labor for the production of goods and services during a specified period. Ratio of female to male labor force participation rate is calculated by dividing female labor force participation rate by male labor force participation rate and multiplying by 100.;World Bank, World Development Indicators database. Estimates are based on data obtained from International Labour Organization, ILOSTAT at https://ilostat.ilo.org/data/.;Weighted average;The series for ILO estimates is also available in the WDI database. Caution should be used when comparing ILO estimates with national estimates.