Eswatini Female Labor Participation
Female labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS
Eswatini's female labor participation was 48.52% in 2025, ranked 122nd globally. This represents a 0.2% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Eswatini's female labor participation stood at 48.52% in 2025, a rise of +0.10pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 49.19% by 2026. Eswatini ranked 122nd globally.
Eswatini’s female labor‑force participation has risen modestly but steadily over the 36‑year series, moving from 43.27 % in 1990 to an all‑time peak of 48.52 % in 2025, the highest level recorded in the series and the figure that places the kingdom at 122nd in the World Bank ranking. The narrow trough of 43.26 % in 1995 marks the lowest point of the period, after which participation has climbed year on year, reflecting gradual improvements in women’s access to formal and informal employment. The 2025 level is closely aligned with peers such as Lesotho (48.09 %) and El Salvador (49.05 %), suggesting that Eswatini is keeping pace with other lower‑income economies that have pursued gender‑inclusive labor policies. Continuing the upward trajectory will likely depend on expanding sectoral opportunities, enhancing vocational training for women, and strengthening childcare support, which together could push participation above the current peak in the coming decade.
Data & projection
| Year | Female Labor Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 50.08% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 49.63% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 49.19% | - | - |
| 2025 | 48.52% | +0.10pp | #122 |
| 2024 | 48.42% | +0.18pp | #123 |
| 2023 | 48.24% | +1.01pp | #125 |
| 2022 | 47.23% | +0.33pp | #127 |
| 2021 | 46.90% | +0.45pp | #127 |
| 2020 | 46.45% | −0.71pp | #125 |
| 2019 | 47.16% | +0.08pp | #127 |
| 2018 | 47.08% | +0.07pp | #129 |
| 2017 | 47.02% | +0.05pp | #126 |
| 2016 | 46.97% | +0.15pp | #127 |
| 2015 | 46.82% | +0.15pp | #130 |
| 2014 | 46.67% | +0.13pp | #127 |
| 2013 | 46.53% | +0.12pp | #125 |
| 2012 | 46.41% | +0.12pp | #126 |
| 2011 | 46.29% | +0.15pp | #123 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Eswatini matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2012. 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
Eswatini's female labor participation was 48.52% in 2025. Ranked 122nd globally. This represents a 0.2% increase from the previous year.
Eswatini's female labor participation peaked at 48.52% in 2025.
The lowest female labor participation in Eswatini was 43.26% in 1995.
Eswatini ranks 122nd globally in female labor participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Eswatini's female labor participation is projected to reach 49.19% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The female labor participation of Eswatini in 2025 was 48.52%. This ranks 122nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_eswatini_female-labor-participation,
title = {Eswatini Female Labor Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/eswatini/female-labor-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}