👀 This Map Shows Where Women Work

Key Takeaways

• As a general trend: women’s workforce participation spikes in either very poor countries, or very rich ones. 
• The data for this map is sourced from 2025 estimates made by the International Labour Organization
• It shows the share of working-age women (15–64) who are employed or looking for work in each country.

The Relationship Between Economic Development & Women Working, Explained

• In low-income countries, women often work in subsistence agriculture, where labor is crucial for survival.
• In middle-income countries, labour moves away from survival and towards industry. Societal norms may discourage women from working.
• In high-income countries, education, childcare services, and a services-based economy broaden opportunities for women to work.