Jamaica Female Labor Participation
Female labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS
Jamaica's female labor participation was 63.03% in 2025, ranked 29th globally. This represents a 0.2% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Jamaica's female labor participation stood at 63.03% in 2025, a rise of +0.12pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 65.05% by 2026. Jamaica ranked 29th globally.
Jamaica’s female labour‑force participation has remained relatively stable over the 36‑year series, recording 63.03 % in 2025, which places the island at 29th globally. The indicator peaked in 1990 at 63.88 % and fell to a trough of 52.35 % in 2010, after which it recovered to just above the 1990 level. The modest decline during the 2000s coincided with the global financial crisis and domestic fiscal tightening, while the subsequent rebound reflects expanding service‑sector employment and targeted gender‑inclusion policies. Jamaica’s current rate is closely aligned with Kenya’s 63.04 % and slightly higher than the Netherlands’ 62.71 %, underscoring its competitive standing among both developing and advanced economies. Continued investment in childcare, flexible work arrangements, and skills development for women could sustain the upward trajectory, potentially pushing participation above the early‑1990 peak in the coming decade.
Data & projection
| Year | Female Labor Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 67.33% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 66.19% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 65.05% | - | - |
| 2025 | 63.03% | +0.12pp | #29 |
| 2024 | 62.91% | −0.13pp | #30 |
| 2023 | 63.05% | +2.24pp | #31 |
| 2022 | 60.80% | +2.41pp | #44 |
| 2021 | 58.40% | +0.82pp | #53 |
| 2020 | 57.58% | −2.26pp | #56 |
| 2019 | 59.84% | +1.53pp | #50 |
| 2018 | 58.31% | −0.30pp | #52 |
| 2017 | 58.60% | +0.95pp | #50 |
| 2016 | 57.65% | −0.87pp | #54 |
| 2015 | 58.52% | +4.06pp | #53 |
| 2014 | 54.47% | +0.53pp | #76 |
| 2013 | 53.94% | +0.91pp | #81 |
| 2012 | 53.02% | +0.38pp | #86 |
| 2011 | 52.65% | +0.30pp | #88 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Jamaica matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2022. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw female labor participation improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Jamaica's female labor participation was 63.03% in 2025. Ranked 29th globally. This represents a 0.2% increase from the previous year.
Jamaica's female labor participation peaked at 63.88% in 1990.
The lowest female labor participation in Jamaica was 52.35% in 2010.
Jamaica ranks 29th globally in female labor participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Jamaica's female labor participation is projected to reach 65.05% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The female labor participation of Jamaica in 2025 was 63.03%. This ranks 29th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_jamaica_female-labor-participation,
title = {Jamaica Female Labor Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/jamaica/female-labor-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}