Türkiye Female Labor Participation
Female labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS
Türkiye's female labor participation was 37.15% in 2025, ranked 157th globally. This represents a 1.0% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Türkiye's female labor participation stood at 37.15% in 2025, a rise of +0.36pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 38.65% by 2026. Türkiye ranked 157th globally.
Turkey’s female labour‑force participation has risen modestly but steadily over the 36‑year series, moving from 33.93 % in 1990 to an all‑time peak of 37.15 % in 2025, where it ranks 157th globally. The indicator’s lowest point occurred in 2005 at 23.11 %, reflecting a sharp contraction that coincided with broader macro‑economic turbulence and social policy shifts. Since that trough, participation has climbed by more than 14 percentage points, outpacing peers such as Saudi Arabia (33.57 %) and approaching the levels of Senegal (38.22 %). The upward trajectory is driven by incremental improvements in education, urbanisation and modest reforms to maternity and childcare provisions, yet the pace remains below that of more advanced economies. Continued expansion of flexible work arrangements, investment in affordable childcare and stronger enforcement of gender‑equality legislation could accelerate the trend, potentially lifting Turkey into the upper half of the global ranking in the coming decade.
Data & projection
| Year | Female Labor Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 40.75% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 39.70% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 38.65% | - | - |
| 2025 | 37.15% | +0.36pp | #157 |
| 2024 | 36.79% | +1.02pp | #157 |
| 2023 | 35.76% | +0.75pp | #159 |
| 2022 | 35.02% | +2.24pp | #159 |
| 2021 | 32.77% | +1.94pp | #162 |
| 2020 | 30.83% | −3.46pp | #163 |
| 2019 | 34.29% | +0.17pp | #160 |
| 2018 | 34.12% | +0.58pp | #160 |
| 2017 | 33.53% | +1.15pp | #162 |
| 2016 | 32.38% | +0.96pp | #162 |
| 2015 | 31.42% | +1.25pp | #163 |
| 2014 | 30.17% | −0.47pp | #163 |
| 2013 | 30.64% | +1.28pp | #163 |
| 2012 | 29.36% | +0.72pp | #163 |
| 2011 | 28.64% | +1.19pp | #163 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Türkiye matched the Stagflation Risk pattern in 2020. Historically, 38% of countries showing this pattern (117 out of 307) saw female labor participation improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Türkiye's female labor participation was 37.15% in 2025. Ranked 157th globally. This represents a 1.0% increase from the previous year.
Türkiye's female labor participation peaked at 37.15% in 2025.
The lowest female labor participation in Türkiye was 23.11% in 2005.
Türkiye ranks 157th globally in female labor participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Türkiye's female labor participation is projected to reach 38.65% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The female labor participation of Türkiye in 2025 was 37.15%. This ranks 157th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_turkiye_female-labor-participation,
title = {Türkiye Female Labor Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/turkiye/female-labor-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}