Determinants of Female Labor-Force Participation in Pakistan: An Empirical Analysis of the Labor Force Survey 2020-21

Abstract

Pakistan, with a female labor force of more than 100 million, ranks among countries with the lowest female labor force participation rates, hindering economic growth and limiting the potential of female workforce. Women's participation in the labor market contributes to the country's economic progress and empowers them to make decisions and access resources, raising their living standards and leading to socioeconomic development. This study analyzes the dynamics of female labor force participation in Pakistan. It examines individual, household and economic factors including female education level and technical training, level of income of females, marital status, provincial status, locality, presence of children, income of household members other than females, average paid income of female labor force, household head employment status and education level, responsible for low female labor force participation. The study contributes to the literature by investigating evolving female labor force participation  trends using recently available and nationally representative Labor Force Survey of Pakistan 2020-21. The study identifies challenges females currently face in the labor market. The study's findings help formulate targeted policies for improving female labor force participation, which in turn reduces gender disparities, empowers women, and foster inclusive economic growth in Pakistan.