South Africa Female Labor Participation
Female labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS
South Africa's female labor participation was 49.88% in 2025, ranked 118th globally. This represents a 0.2% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
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.
South Africa's female labor participation rate has experienced a moderate improvement over the past three and a half decades, albeit with notable fluctuations. Starting at 44.72% in 1990, the rate has steadily increased to reach an all-time high of 49.88% in 2025, with a slight dip to 44.15% in 2020. This trajectory is comparable to that of Bulgaria, where female labor participation also peaked at 50.38% in 2025. Despite this progress, South Africa's female labor participation rate remains below the global average, ranking 118th in 2025. Belgium's rate of 49.78% in 2025 serves as a closer benchmark. The country's economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and implementation of policies promoting women's workforce participation could further boost this rate. However, a decline in fertility rates and aging population may also impact the labor force dynamics in South Africa, potentially altering the trajectory of female labor participation in the coming years.
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}
}