Drivers and Barriers to Women Participation in Labour Force in Sub-Sahara Africa: Relevance of Labour Force Theories

Abstract

Culture-based barriers, such as early marriage, sexuality and gender discrimination, hinder women’s participation in labour force in sub-Saharan Africa. This study, through extensive review of literatures, examined drivers and barriers of women participation in labour force in sub-Saharan Africa as well as relevance of labour force theories. Findings showed that the low prevalence of women participation in labour force in sub-Saharan Africa could be attributed to social neglect of the girl child and women in general at various social structures of the society. This has also affected the sexual autonomy of women. It was concluded and recommended that gender equality policies in sub-Saharan Africa need to be geared towards eliminating and preventing harassment and violence at work, creating and harmonising work-life balance for both men and women, creating better working environment for women, and promoting adequate representation of women in leadership. All of these measures, if implemented, will improve the participation of women in the labour force, both in private and public sectors.