South Africa: Female unemployment

* indicates monthly or quarterly data series
 South Africa

Unemployment rate for females

 Latest value 29.87
 Year 2023
 Measure percent
 Data availability 1991 - 2023
 Average 23.82
 Min - Max 21.59 - 30.51
 Source The World Bank
The latest value from 2023 is 29.87 percent, a decline from 30.51 percent in 2022. In comparison, the world average is 8.37 percent, based on data from 178 countries. Historically, the average for South Africa from 1991 to 2023 is 23.82 percent. The minimum value, 21.59 percent, was reached in 2009 while the maximum of 30.51 percent was recorded in 2022. See the global rankings for that indicator or use the country comparator to compare trends over time.
Select indicator
* indicates monthly or quarterly data series


Recent data
South Africa - Female unemployment - Recent values chart

Historical series
South Africa - Female unemployment - historical chart - 1991-2023




Definition: Unemployment refers to the share of the labor force that is without work but available for and seeking employment.

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 Related indicators Latest Reference Measure
 Labor force 27.14 2023 million people
 Unemployment rate 27.99 2023 percent
 Female unemployment 29.87 2023 percent
 Male unemployment 26.32 2023 percent
 Youth unemployment 49.14 2023 percent
 Labor force participation 58.08 2023 percent
 Labor force: percent female 46.98 2023 percent
 Female labor force participation 52.38 2023 percent
 Male labor force participation 64.27 2023 percent
 Self-employment 28.99 2022 percent
 Informal employment 31.50 2020 percent
 Employment 16.95 Q3/2024 million employed people
 Unemployment rate 32.10 Q3/2024 percent
 Labor cost 150.70 Q2/2024 index points
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