Philippines Female Labor Participation
Female labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS
Philippines's female labor participation was 50.49% in 2025, ranked 115th globally. This represents a 0.0% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Philippines's female labor participation stood at 50.49% in 2025, a decline of +0.02pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 53.02% by 2026. Philippines ranked 115th globally.
The Philippines' female labor participation rate has shown a moderate increase over the past three-and-a-half decades, from 47.35% in 1990 to 50.49% in 2025. The latter figure ranks the country 115th globally. The rate experienced a notable decline during the pandemic, hitting an all-time low of 42.67% in 2020, but rebounded, reaching an all-time peak of 50.51% in 2024, narrowly surpassing the rate of Papua New Guinea, its closest peer. Despite this progress, the Philippines still lags behind other countries in the region. For instance, Cabo Verde has a nearly identical rate, while Armenia boasts a slightly higher rate of 51.06%. To continue improving the female labor participation rate, the Philippine government may need to address existing barriers to employment, such as limited access to education and job training, as well as social and cultural norms that discourage women from entering the workforce.
Data & projection
| Year | Female Labor Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 55.56% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 54.29% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 53.02% | - | - |
| 2025 | 50.49% | −0.02pp | #115 |
| 2024 | 50.51% | +0.07pp | #115 |
| 2023 | 50.45% | +0.06pp | #117 |
| 2022 | 50.38% | +6.18pp | #113 |
| 2021 | 44.20% | +1.53pp | #135 |
| 2020 | 42.68% | −3.89pp | #140 |
| 2019 | 46.57% | +1.03pp | #130 |
| 2018 | 45.53% | +0.49pp | #133 |
| 2017 | 45.05% | −3.15pp | #136 |
| 2016 | 48.19% | −0.48pp | #122 |
| 2015 | 48.67% | −0.45pp | #119 |
| 2014 | 49.12% | +0.78pp | #114 |
| 2013 | 48.34% | −0.12pp | #118 |
| 2012 | 48.46% | −0.48pp | #116 |
| 2011 | 48.94% | +0.82pp | #111 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Philippines 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
Philippines's female labor participation was 50.49% in 2025. Ranked 115th globally. This represents a 0.0% decrease from the previous year.
Philippines's female labor participation peaked at 50.51% in 2024.
The lowest female labor participation in Philippines was 42.68% in 2020.
Philippines ranks 115th globally in female labor participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Philippines's female labor participation is projected to reach 53.02% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The female labor participation of Philippines in 2025 was 50.49%. This ranks 115th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_philippines_female-labor-participation,
title = {Philippines Female Labor Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/philippines/female-labor-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}