South Africa Female Labor Participation
Female labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS
Overview
South Africa's female labor participation stood at 49.88% in 2025, a rise of +0.08pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 51.74% by 2026. South Africa ranked 118th globally.
Data & projection
| Year | Female Labor Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 54.06% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 52.90% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 51.74% | - | - |
| 2025 | 49.88% | +0.08pp | #118 |
| 2024 | 49.80% | +0.75pp | #119 |
| 2023 | 49.05% | +1.93pp | #122 |
| 2022 | 47.12% | +1.71pp | #128 |
| 2021 | 45.41% | +1.26pp | #131 |
| 2020 | 44.15% | −4.43pp | #132 |
| 2019 | 48.58% | +0.06pp | #125 |
| 2018 | 48.52% | −0.11pp | #125 |
| 2017 | 48.63% | +0.89pp | #122 |
| 2016 | 47.74% | +0.02pp | #124 |
| 2015 | 47.72% | +1.22pp | #125 |
| 2014 | 46.49% | +0.22pp | #128 |
| 2013 | 46.27% | +0.94pp | #127 |
| 2012 | 45.33% | +0.18pp | #129 |
| 2011 | 45.15% | +0.39pp | #130 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
South Africa matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 1994. 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
South Africa's female labor participation was 49.88% in 2025. Ranked 118th globally. This represents a 0.2% increase from the previous year.
South Africa's female labor participation peaked at 49.88% in 2025.
The lowest female labor participation in South Africa was 44.15% in 2020.
South Africa ranks 118th globally in female labor participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
South Africa's female labor participation is projected to reach 51.74% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The female labor participation of South Africa in 2025 was 49.88%. This ranks 118th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_south-africa_female-labor-participation,
title = {South Africa Female Labor Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/south-africa/female-labor-participation},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}