Belgium Female Labor Participation
Female labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS
Belgium's female labor participation was 49.78% in 2025, ranked 119th globally. This represents a 0.4% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Belgium's female labor participation stood at 49.78% in 2025, a decline of +0.19pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 50.03% by 2026. Belgium ranked 119th globally.
Belgium's female labor participation rate has shown a modest improvement over the past three and a half decades. The indicator rose from a trough of 36.46% in 1990 to a peak of 50.03% in 2022, indicating a 37.58% increase. The country currently ranks 119 globally, with a rate of 49.78% as of 2025. This is slightly lower than South Africa's 49.88% rate, but higher than the Channel Islands' 49.25%. The gradual increase in female labor participation in Belgium suggests a positive trend, albeit with fluctuations. Notably, the country's peak in 2022 was just 0.53 percentage points shy of the highest recorded rate among its peer countries, Bulgaria at 50.38%. To sustain this momentum, a continued focus on promoting equal opportunities in education and employment would be essential, as well as addressing the persistent barriers that may be discouraging women from entering the workforce.
Data & projection
| Year | Female Labor Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 50.18% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 50.10% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 50.03% | - | - |
| 2025 | 49.78% | −0.19pp | #119 |
| 2024 | 49.97% | +0.14pp | #118 |
| 2023 | 49.83% | −0.20pp | #121 |
| 2022 | 50.03% | +0.66pp | #118 |
| 2021 | 49.37% | +0.71pp | #113 |
| 2020 | 48.66% | −0.44pp | #112 |
| 2019 | 49.10% | +0.33pp | #122 |
| 2018 | 48.77% | +0.80pp | #122 |
| 2017 | 47.97% | +0.16pp | #123 |
| 2016 | 47.81% | −0.23pp | #123 |
| 2015 | 48.05% | −0.08pp | #124 |
| 2014 | 48.13% | +0.32pp | #120 |
| 2013 | 47.80% | +0.65pp | #120 |
| 2012 | 47.16% | +0.05pp | #123 |
| 2011 | 47.10% | −0.67pp | #119 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Belgium matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw female labor participation improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Belgium's female labor participation was 49.78% in 2025. Ranked 119th globally. This represents a 0.4% decrease from the previous year.
Belgium's female labor participation peaked at 50.03% in 2022.
The lowest female labor participation in Belgium was 36.46% in 1990.
Belgium ranks 119th globally in female labor participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Belgium's female labor participation is projected to reach 50.03% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The female labor participation of Belgium in 2025 was 49.78%. This ranks 119th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_belgium_female-labor-participation,
title = {Belgium Female Labor Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/belgium/female-labor-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}