China Female Labor Participation
Female labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS
China's female labor participation was 59.15% in 2025, ranked 53rd globally. This represents a 0.5% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
China's female labor participation stood at 59.15% in 2025, a decline of +0.30pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 58.60% by 2026. China ranked 53rd globally.
China’s female labor‑force participation has fallen from its all‑time peak of 73.09 % in 1990 to a trough of 59.15 % in 2025, placing the country 53rd globally and just above Thailand’s 58.96 % and Paraguay’s 59.01 % in the same year. The 36‑year decline reflects structural shifts such as rapid urbanisation, rising household incomes and expanding higher‑education enrolment for women, which have increased opportunity costs of work and intensified caregiving responsibilities. Simultaneously, the transition from a manufacturing‑heavy economy to a service‑oriented one has altered demand for low‑skill labour, disproportionately affecting women who historically dominated factory employment. Demographic pressures, including an ageing population and a shrinking working‑age cohort, further constrain job creation for women. Policy measures that improve affordable childcare, promote flexible work arrangements and encourage female entrepreneurship could reverse the downward trajectory, potentially stabilising participation rates after 2025.
Data & projection
| Year | Female Labor Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 57.66% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 58.13% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 58.60% | - | - |
| 2025 | 59.15% | −0.30pp | #53 |
| 2024 | 59.45% | −0.77pp | #53 |
| 2023 | 60.22% | +0.12pp | #50 |
| 2022 | 60.10% | −1.09pp | #46 |
| 2021 | 61.18% | +1.47pp | #37 |
| 2020 | 59.71% | −1.59pp | #41 |
| 2019 | 61.31% | −0.28pp | #37 |
| 2018 | 61.59% | −0.37pp | #35 |
| 2017 | 61.96% | −0.37pp | #35 |
| 2016 | 62.33% | −0.28pp | #33 |
| 2015 | 62.61% | −0.22pp | #31 |
| 2014 | 62.83% | −0.20pp | #33 |
| 2013 | 63.02% | −0.31pp | #33 |
| 2012 | 63.33% | −0.33pp | #33 |
| 2011 | 63.66% | −0.01pp | #34 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
China matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2013. 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
China's female labor participation was 59.15% in 2025. Ranked 53rd globally. This represents a 0.5% decrease from the previous year.
China's female labor participation peaked at 73.09% in 1990.
The lowest female labor participation in China was 59.15% in 2025.
China ranks 53rd globally in female labor participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
China's female labor participation is projected to reach 58.60% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The female labor participation of China in 2025 was 59.15%. This ranks 53rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_china_female-labor-participation,
title = {China Female Labor Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/china/female-labor-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}