Trends, Patterns and Determinants of Female Labour Force Participation in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Female participation in labour force in Africa revealed a relatively high rate when compared to other regions even though most of the participation takes place in the informal sectors of the economy. Some African countries such as Nigeria, Madagascar and Tanzania are leading in female participation in labour force. Regional variability revealed sub-Saharan Africa countries (SSA) having relatively high rate in female participation in labour force even though there are country disparities. This paper examined female participation in labour force in sub Saharan Africa with a view to proffering suggestions for policy interventions in improving female participation in labour force in Africa. It was deduced from discussions that marriage, non-labour income, religion, economic development, most especially as it relates to poor working conditions, and fertility are major factors behind the low participation rate of female in the labour force in sub Saharan Africa. It was recommended that governments of African countries, women groups and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) need to collaborate towards ensuring the implementation of the affirmative action on increasing women participation in governance and public offices, eradicating gender discrimination and abuse of women rights as these will go a long way in enhancing women participation in labour force in Africa.