Determinants of Female Labour Force Participation in Zambia: A Cross-sectional Analysis, 2022

Abstract

Women represent nearly half (49.6%) of the global population but are significantly underrepresented in the labour force, with participation rates nearly 27% lower than men. In Zambia, the 2022 Labour Force Survey revealed that labour force participation was 43.8% for males and only 28.7% for females, despite government efforts to promote gender equality through policy frameworks and commitments like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study analysed the determinants of Female Labour Force Participation (FLFP) in Zambia using secondary data from the 2022 Labour Force Survey. Employing a logistic regression model, the research examined individual, household, and geographical factors influencing FLFP. Key variables included age, education, marital status, number of children, sex of the household head, household size, household income, rural/urban residence and province. The findings revealed that age, education, and rural/urban residence positively influenced FLFP. Conversely, being married, widowed or living in a female-headed household reduced women’s likelihood of labour force participation. Household income and size were not statistically significant, indicating that cultural and social factors might play a more significant role. Regional disparities were also observed, with participation rates varying across provinces. This study underscores the importance of addressing gender disparities in employment to promote FLFP and ultimately inclusive economic growth. It contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence on the determinants of FLFP in Zambia, offering valuable insights for policymakers aiming to enhance women's economic participation. Keywords: Determinants of Female Labour Force Participation, Female Labour Force Participation, Gender Disparities, Inclusive Economic Growth, Logistic Regression Analysis, Regional Disparities and Zambia Labour Force Survey