Netherlands Female Labor Participation
Female labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS
Netherlands's female labor participation was 62.71% in 2025, ranked 30th globally. This represents a 0.3% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Netherlands's female labor participation stood at 62.71% in 2025, a decline of +0.17pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 63.21% by 2026. Netherlands ranked 30th globally.
Female labor participation in the Netherlands has risen steadily over the 36‑year span from 55.16 % in 1990 to 62.71 % in 2025, placing the country 30th globally. The all‑time peak of 63.08 % was recorded in 2023, only marginally above the latest figure, while the 1990 level remains the all‑time trough. This gradual ascent mirrors the modest gains observed in peer economies such as Australia, which posted 62.51 % in the same year, and Kazakhstan at 62.65 %. The Netherlands’ trajectory reflects persistent policy support for work‑life balance, part‑time employment options, and childcare provision, which have collectively expanded women’s attachment to the labour market. Nevertheless, the narrow gap between the 2023 peak and the 2025 level suggests the pace of increase may be slowing. Future shifts in flexible work arrangements, demographic ageing, or further incentives for female employment could determine whether participation continues to climb or plateaus.
Data & projection
| Year | Female Labor Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 63.60% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 63.41% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 63.21% | - | - |
| 2025 | 62.71% | −0.17pp | #30 |
| 2024 | 62.88% | −0.20pp | #31 |
| 2023 | 63.08% | +0.51pp | #30 |
| 2022 | 62.57% | +0.67pp | #31 |
| 2021 | 61.89% | +0.12pp | #34 |
| 2020 | 61.78% | +0.12pp | #33 |
| 2019 | 61.66% | +0.52pp | #34 |
| 2018 | 61.14% | +0.25pp | #40 |
| 2017 | 60.89% | +0.07pp | #41 |
| 2016 | 60.82% | +0.06pp | #41 |
| 2015 | 60.76% | +0.48pp | #44 |
| 2014 | 60.27% | −0.77pp | #44 |
| 2013 | 61.04% | −0.04pp | #42 |
| 2012 | 61.08% | +0.55pp | #41 |
| 2011 | 60.53% | +0.26pp | #43 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Netherlands matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. 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
Netherlands's female labor participation was 62.71% in 2025. Ranked 30th globally. This represents a 0.3% decrease from the previous year.
Netherlands's female labor participation peaked at 63.08% in 2023.
The lowest female labor participation in Netherlands was 55.16% in 1990.
Netherlands ranks 30th globally in female labor participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Netherlands's female labor participation is projected to reach 63.21% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The female labor participation of Netherlands in 2025 was 62.71%. This ranks 30th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_netherlands_female-labor-participation,
title = {Netherlands Female Labor Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/netherlands/female-labor-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}