Data: Visual Capitalist/ILO
Images: Shutterstock
Female labour force participation is a key indicator that shows the trajectory of a woman’s financial inclusion, welfare and overall empowerment in an economy.
Overall, as a general trend, it was seen that women in either very poor or rich countries participated the most in the workforce.
In very poor countries, women were major participants in the informal sector with lower wages compared to their male counterparts.
In high-income countries, subsidised child care and education, strict anti-discriminatory laws and a general social acceptance of women in workplaces broaden opportunities for women.
Here are ten countries with the most female workforce participation in 2025—number one will surprise you!
*Age group: 15 to 64
Rate: 81%
The history of central government planning, a strong focus on education and policies regarding gender equality drive its high women workforce participation.
Rate: 81%
Women are especially active in the country’s agriculture sector. Further, its constitution reserves 30% seats in the government, national assembly and senate for women.
Rate: 82%
The high female workforce participation rate is partly driven by a general acceptance of women working for pay and a lack of strong social norms against such discrimination.
Rate: 82%
While Nigeria’s female workforce participation has seen an increasing trend since the 1990s, women are more active in low-paying jobs, such as farming and the informal sector.
Rate: 82%
Sweden has strong commitments to gender equality and equal pay, with gender discrimination in the workplace having been made illegal since 1980.
Rate: 82%
The government has enacted numerous policies aimed at gender equality in the workplace, which bolsters the country’s female workforce participation.
Rate: 84%
While this Nordic country has strong policies promoting gender equality, the notion of “strong women” is deeply embedded in their culture, religions and mythology.
Rate: 84%
While Madagascar has a high female participation rate, the majority of its women work in farming and informal sectors, with men earning 37% more than women.
Rate: 84%
The women of the Solomon Islands are active workforce participants, especially in the agriculture and fishing sectors. There exist disparities in access to education, finances and formal jobs.
Rate: 87%
North Korea has several laws for women’s welfare, like the Law on Sex Equality, the Socialist Labor Law, etc. However, the country remains at the forefront of humanitarian concerns.
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