South Africa: Female labor force participation

The latest value from 2025 is 49.88 percent, an increase from 49.8 percent in 2024. In comparison, the world average is 51.41 percent, based on data from 176 countries. Historically, the average for South Africa from 1990 to 2025 is 46.71 percent. The minimum value, 44.15 percent, was reached in 2020 while the maximum of 49.88 percent was recorded in 2025. See the global rankings or world map for that indicator or use the country comparator to compare trends over time.

The female labor force participation rate is the percent of the female population ages 15 and older who are economically active. That includes the employed people as well as the unemployed people.

Definition: The labor force participation rate is the labor force as a percent of the population ages 15 and older. The labor force is the sum of all persons of working age who are employed and those who are unemployed.