Rwanda Female Labor Participation
Female labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS
Rwanda's female labor participation was 57.30% in 2025, ranked 62nd globally. This represents a 0.4% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Rwanda's female labor participation stood at 57.30% in 2025, a rise of +0.21pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 59.50% by 2026. Rwanda ranked 62nd globally.
Rwanda's female labor participation rate has exhibited a steady upward trend since 1990, with a notable acceleration in the past decade. The country's female labor participation rate peaked at 58.04% in 2023, a significant improvement from the 51.76% recorded in 1995, which remains the all-time trough. Despite ranking 62 globally as of 2025, Rwanda's female labor participation rate is comparable to that of the United Kingdom, which shares a similar ranking of 57.33%. The steady increase in female labor participation in Rwanda is a positive development, reflecting the country's efforts to promote women's empowerment and economic inclusion. However, the current rate of 57.30% still lags behind the all-time peak, suggesting that further progress is needed to achieve sustained economic growth and reduce inequality. Any significant shifts in education and job market policies could alter the trajectory of female labor participation in Rwanda, potentially leading to a more rapid convergence with higher-ranked countries.
Data & projection
| Year | Female Labor Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 61.87% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 60.69% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 59.50% | - | - |
| 2025 | 57.30% | +0.21pp | #62 |
| 2024 | 57.10% | −0.95pp | #65 |
| 2023 | 58.04% | +3.35pp | #59 |
| 2022 | 54.70% | +2.12pp | #80 |
| 2021 | 52.58% | −4.07pp | #91 |
| 2020 | 56.65% | +4.78pp | #61 |
| 2019 | 51.87% | −2.29pp | #103 |
| 2018 | 54.16% | −0.57pp | #86 |
| 2017 | 54.72% | +0.11pp | #82 |
| 2016 | 54.61% | +0.10pp | #83 |
| 2015 | 54.52% | +0.08pp | #81 |
| 2014 | 54.43% | +0.08pp | #78 |
| 2013 | 54.36% | +0.07pp | #77 |
| 2012 | 54.28% | +0.07pp | #78 |
| 2011 | 54.21% | +0.07pp | #77 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Rwanda matched the Orthodox Tightening Cycle pattern in 2023. Historically, 57% of countries showing this pattern (177 out of 311) saw female labor participation improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Rwanda's female labor participation was 57.30% in 2025. Ranked 62nd globally. This represents a 0.4% increase from the previous year.
Rwanda's female labor participation peaked at 58.04% in 2023.
The lowest female labor participation in Rwanda was 51.76% in 1995.
Rwanda ranks 62nd globally in female labor participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Rwanda's female labor participation is projected to reach 59.50% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The female labor participation of Rwanda in 2025 was 57.30%. This ranks 62nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_rwanda_female-labor-participation,
title = {Rwanda Female Labor Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/rwanda/female-labor-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}