Women in the Workforce

A look at global participation rates

Women’s participation in the global workforce is both marked by progress and disparities. An analysis by visualcapitalist.com explores the highest and lowest participation rates for women around the world. Join C&S Secretarial Services as we highlight the champions of women’s inclusion and those lagging behind.

What is meant by ‘workforce’?

First and foremost, it’s important to understand what is meant by the term “workforce” when interpreting the following figures. The workforce includes individuals aged 15 and over who are either employed or actively seeking paid employment, whether as employees, independent entrepreneurs, or contributors to family businesses. Depending on the country, unpaid workers, those caring for family members at home, students, and military personnel may not be included in this count.

Top countries for women participation in the workforce

According to data compiled by the World Bank from International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates in 2023, several African nations are at the forefront of women’s workforce participation. Madagascar, Burundi, and Mozambique stand out, with nearly 80% of women aged 15 and over either employed or actively seeking employment. This remarkable statistic highlights the progress these countries have made in promoting gender equality in the workplace.

Countries with low participation of women in the workforce

At the other end of the spectrum, Afghanistan and Yemen currently have the lowest rates of women’s workforce participation, with only 5% of women of working age involved. Expanding our view to the 20 lowest-ranking countries reveals a concerning trend: nations in the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia tend to have significantly lower rates of women in the workforce.

National income and women’s participation in the workforce: a prosperity paradox

Data from Our World in Data presents an interesting paradox. Women’s workforce participation is highest in both the richest and poorest countries globally. Conversely, nations with a middle national income tend to have the lowest rates of active women in their economies. This suggests that factors beyond mere economic development play a role in promoting workplace gender equality.

Women as drivers of economic growth

The economic argument for better representation of women in the workforce is compelling. Representing roughly half of the global population, women’s inclusion represents significant untapped potential for economic expansion. More people contributing to the workforce translates to increased productivity and overall economic growth. By fostering environments that encourage women to enter and remain in the labor market, countries can unlock a powerful engine for sustainable development and prosperity.

Top 10 countries with the highest percentage of women in the workforce

The percentage of women in the workforce varies by country.

Here are the top 10 countries with the highest percentage of women in the workforce:

Madagascar: 83 %
Solomon Islands: 83%
Burundi: 79%
Mozambique: 78%
Tanzania: 77%
Ethiopia: 75%
Angola: 73%
Kenya: 72 %
Liberia: 72 %
Moldova: 72 %

Other countries in this cohort include:

Suriname: 71 %
Guyana: 69 %
Namibia: 68 %
Botswana: 67 %
Rwanda: 67 %

Source: World Bank – Figures are rounded and based on International Labour Organization estimates in 2023.

Breaking barriers and building an inclusive future

The data presented here underscores the need for continued efforts to dismantle barriers preventing women from fully participating in the global workforce.

By promoting policies that encourage gender equality in education, childcare, and workplace practices, nations can create environments where women can thrive and contribute fully to their economy and society.

Building a more inclusive future requires a concerted effort from governments, businesses, and individuals to eradicate existing disparities and unlock the full potential of women as drivers of economic growth and social progress.

Source: https://www.visualcapitalist.com/countries-most-least-women-in-the-workforce/