Italy Female Labor Participation
Female labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS
Italy's female labor participation was 40.81% in 2025, ranked 147th globally. This represents a 0.5% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Italy's female labor participation stood at 40.81% in 2025, a decline of +0.22pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 41.42% by 2026. Italy ranked 147th globally.
Italy’s female labor‑force participation has risen steadily over the 36‑year span from 34.95 % in 1990 to 40.81 % in 2025, placing the country 147th in the global ranking. The upward trajectory reached its apex in 2023 when participation hit an all‑time high of 41.31 %, while the lowest point occurred in 1994 at 33.10 %. This gradual improvement mirrors the modest gains seen in peer economies such as Uzbekistan, which records a participation rate of 41.18 %, and Myanmar at 40.94 %. The persistence of a sub‑45 % share suggests structural constraints, including part‑time work prevalence and limited access to affordable childcare, continue to temper progress. If policy reforms expand flexible work arrangements and invest in family‑support services, Italy could sustain its recent gains and move closer to the European average, potentially pushing the participation rate beyond the 42 % threshold in the coming decade.
Data & projection
| Year | Female Labor Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 41.89% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 41.65% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 41.42% | - | - |
| 2025 | 40.81% | −0.22pp | #147 |
| 2024 | 41.03% | −0.28pp | #146 |
| 2023 | 41.31% | +0.79pp | #147 |
| 2022 | 40.52% | +0.63pp | #151 |
| 2021 | 39.88% | +0.38pp | #151 |
| 2020 | 39.50% | −1.41pp | #150 |
| 2019 | 40.91% | +0.13pp | #150 |
| 2018 | 40.78% | +0.20pp | #150 |
| 2017 | 40.58% | +0.51pp | #150 |
| 2016 | 40.07% | +0.68pp | #150 |
| 2015 | 39.39% | −0.36pp | #153 |
| 2014 | 39.75% | +0.42pp | #152 |
| 2013 | 39.32% | −0.05pp | #153 |
| 2012 | 39.37% | +1.30pp | #152 |
| 2011 | 38.07% | +0.19pp | #154 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Italy matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 1986. 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
Italy's female labor participation was 40.81% in 2025. Ranked 147th globally. This represents a 0.5% decrease from the previous year.
Italy's female labor participation peaked at 41.31% in 2023.
The lowest female labor participation in Italy was 33.10% in 1994.
Italy ranks 147th globally in female labor participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Italy's female labor participation is projected to reach 41.42% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The female labor participation of Italy in 2025 was 40.81%. This ranks 147th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_italy_female-labor-participation,
title = {Italy Female Labor Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/italy/female-labor-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}