Hong Kong SAR, China Female Labor Participation
Female labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS
Hong Kong SAR, China's female labor participation was 51.81% in 2025, ranked 102nd globally. This represents a 0.9% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Hong Kong SAR, China's female labor participation stood at 51.81% in 2025, a decline of +0.45pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 51.26% by 2026. Hong Kong SAR, China ranked 102nd globally.
Hong Kong’s female labor‑force participation has risen modestly over the 36‑year span from 47.06 % in 1990 to 51.80 % in 2025, placing the territory at 102nd in the world. The indicator peaked at 54.75 % in 2018, a level not yet sustained, while the lowest point occurred in 1993 at 46.36 %. The recent figure of 51.80 % is comparable to peers such as Malaysia (51.64 %) and Colombia (51.62 %), suggesting a regional convergence among economies with similar service‑oriented structures. The gradual upward trajectory reflects expanding service sector employment and policy measures encouraging women’s work, yet the modest pace indicates persistent constraints such as high living costs and limited childcare provision. Continued investment in affordable family support and flexible work arrangements could accelerate participation and push Hong Kong beyond its 2018 peak in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Female Labor Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 50.39% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 50.82% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 51.26% | - | - |
| 2025 | 51.81% | −0.45pp | #102 |
| 2024 | 52.26% | −0.01pp | #102 |
| 2023 | 52.27% | −0.52pp | #102 |
| 2022 | 52.79% | −0.93pp | #95 |
| 2021 | 53.72% | −0.01pp | #80 |
| 2020 | 53.73% | −0.78pp | #81 |
| 2019 | 54.51% | −0.24pp | #83 |
| 2018 | 54.75% | +0.10pp | #78 |
| 2017 | 54.65% | +0.37pp | #83 |
| 2016 | 54.28% | +0.07pp | #84 |
| 2015 | 54.21% | +0.27pp | #85 |
| 2014 | 53.94% | +0.07pp | #81 |
| 2013 | 53.87% | +0.98pp | #84 |
| 2012 | 52.89% | +0.57pp | #90 |
| 2011 | 52.33% | +1.07pp | #93 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Hong Kong SAR, China matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2017. 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
Hong Kong SAR, China's female labor participation was 51.81% in 2025. Ranked 102nd globally. This represents a 0.9% decrease from the previous year.
Hong Kong SAR, China's female labor participation peaked at 54.75% in 2018.
The lowest female labor participation in Hong Kong SAR, China was 46.36% in 1993.
Hong Kong SAR, China ranks 102nd globally in female labor participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Hong Kong SAR, China's female labor participation is projected to reach 51.26% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The female labor participation of Hong Kong SAR, China in 2025 was 51.81%. This ranks 102nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_hong-kong-sar-china_female-labor-participation,
title = {Hong Kong SAR, China Female Labor Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/hong-kong-sar-china/female-labor-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}