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.
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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 | 16.79 | Q1/2025 | million employed people |
| Unemployment rate | 32.90 | Q1/2025 | percent |
| Labor cost | 154.60 | Q4/2024 | index points |