The participation of women in economic life is a critical element for achieving sustainable development and enhancing social welfare. However, globally and in Turkey, women’s participation in the labor force and their representation in economic decision-making processes remain significantly limited compared to men. This article examines the current data on women's economic participation at both global and national levels, addressing key challenges, opportunities, and policy recommendations.
Global Perspective: Labor Force Participation and Wage Inequality
According to the International Labour Organization (ILO, 2023), the global labor force participation rate for women in 2022 was 61.4%, while the rate for men was 90.6%. These disparities extend beyond labor market access, encompassing wage levels, job security, and working conditions.
Women around the world earn on average 20% to 23% less than men for doing the same work (OECD, 2022). Furthermore, over 60% of employed women work under informal or insecure employment conditions (UN Women, 2023), which jeopardizes their financial security and limits their economic independence.
Women tend to be overrepresented in low-paid, low-value-added service sectors, while remaining underrepresented in high-value-added sectors such as technology, finance, and engineering. This not only exacerbates individual income inequality but also reduces potential for macroeconomic growth and productivity.
Women Entrepreneurship: Access to Finance and Structural Barriers
Entrepreneurship is another critical dimension of women’s participation in the economy. According to the World Bank (2024), women entrepreneurs face substantial disadvantages in accessing finance, entering markets, and benefiting from mentorship—both in developing and developed countries.
Globally, women’s share in entrepreneurial activities remains below 30%, while only 1% to 2% of venture capital funding reaches female-founded businesses (McKinsey & Company, 2020). The relatively slower growth rates of female-owned enterprises cannot be explained by individual capacity alone; structural barriers, gender roles, and a lack of support mechanisms are among the root causes.
Women's Labor Force Participation in Turkey: Statistics and Structural Challenges
In Turkey, the female labor force participation rate was 35% in 2023, compared to 71% for men (TURKSTAT, 2023). Women are predominantly employed in low-skilled, insecure, and informal sectors. In agriculture, for example, more than 90% of female workers are informally employed. The rate of female employers remains as low as 1.4% (TURKSTAT, 2023).
Key barriers women face in Turkey's labor market include the disproportionate burden of unpaid care work, limited access to childcare and social support services, persistent gender stereotypes, and career development obstacles. The overwhelming majority of unpaid domestic and caregiving responsibilities fall on women, which, combined with time poverty, often excludes them from full labor market participation (EIGE, 2022).
Economic Potential: The Benefits of Greater Female Participation
Analysis by the McKinsey Global Institute (2020) reveals that achieving gender parity in labor force participation could add up to 28 trillion USD to global GDP. Similarly, the World Bank (2024) emphasizes that gender equality significantly contributes to national competitiveness and long-term economic performance.
Evidence also shows that women-led enterprises tend to adopt more inclusive and sustainable management models, are more resilient in times of crisis, and enhance employee engagement (ILO, 2023). These findings underline that full and equal participation of women in the economy is not only a matter of social justice but also an economic imperative.
Policy Recommendations: Strengthening Women's Economic Empowerment
To enhance women’s position in the economy, concrete policy actions should be implemented in the following key areas:
Legal Reforms: Enforce the principle of equal pay for equal work, combat informal employment, and strengthen legal protections against workplace harassment and discrimination.
Social Infrastructure: Expand public childcare and eldercare services, implement paid parental leave, and develop mechanisms to share caregiving responsibilities.
Financial Inclusion: Provide gender-sensitive financial packages, microcredit programs, and promote gender equality in digital banking services.
Education and Mentorship: Increase access to financial literacy programs, offer scholarships for women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), and strengthen mentorship and role model networks.
Ensuring equal and effective participation of women in economic life is a foundational element for advancing not only women’s empowerment but also the overall prosperity of societies. Current data and experiences show that achieving this goal requires structural transformation and comprehensive policy interventions. When women fully participate in the labor market, entrepreneurship, and leadership roles, sustainable growth and social equity become attainable goals at both individual and societal levels.