Women in the Workforce: Analyzing Labor Participation in Mekelle, Ethiopia

Abstract

This study examines the labor force participation (LFP) of women and men in Mekelle City, Tigrai, with a focus on the key determinants of women's participation. Women's involvement in economic activities is crucial for both household welfare and global economic development. The study employs both primary and secondary data sources. Secondary data was analyzed to compare the LFP of women and men, while primary data were collected via a survey of 370 households selected through two-stage random sampling. Descriptive and econometric methods were employed for analysis. A binary logit model was employed, as the dependent variable is binary. The findings reveal a gender gap in LFP, with women participating more in services and trade sectors, but less so in other sectors, and face higher unemployment rates than men. Importantly, 83.5% of women surveyed participated in the labor market. Barriers to women's participation include limited childcare facilities, financial constraints, and burdens from their partners. The binary logit model identified significant factors affecting women’s LFP, such as age, work experience, access to training, war, marital status, family size, and education level. Additionally, age, family size, presence of child < 5 age and religion are negatively related to women's participation, while experience, training, gender of the household head marital status (being single, divorced and widowed) positively influenced LFP. The study suggests policy interventions focusing on married women, including childcare support and flexible work options.