Female unemployment in South Africa in 2025 — 34%. Ranked 180 in the world out of 182. Since 1991, the indicator has risen by 6.92 pp.
1991–2025 · % of female labor force
How the value compares with the world and the groups this territory belongs to: South Africa
| Year | % | Change, pp |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 34 | −0.44 pp |
| 2024 | 34.44 | −0.13 pp |
| 2023 | 34.56 | −0.82 pp |
| 2022 | 35.38 | −0.92 pp |
| 2021 | 36.3 | +5.3 pp |
| 2020 | 31 | +0.53 pp |
| 2019 | 30.48 | +1.46 pp |
| 2018 | 29.01 | −0.2 pp |
| 2017 | 29.22 | +0.27 pp |
| 2016 | 28.95 | +1.46 pp |
| 2015 | 27.49 | +0.51 pp |
| 2014 | 26.98 | +0.5 pp |
| 2013 | 26.49 | −0.53 pp |
| 2012 | 27.01 | −0.13 pp |
| 2011 | 27.15 | +0.2 pp |
| 2010 | 26.94 | +1.44 pp |
| 2009 | 25.5 | −0.17 pp |
| 2008 | 25.68 | +0.16 pp |
| 2007 | 25.52 | −0.06 pp |
| 2006 | 25.57 | −0.2 pp |
| 2005 | 25.77 | −0.12 pp |
| 2004 | 25.89 | −0.14 pp |
| 2003 | 26.03 | +0.09 pp |
| 2002 | 25.94 | −0.11 pp |
| 2001 | 26.05 | −0.18 pp |
| 2000 | 26.23 | −0.14 pp |
| 1999 | 26.37 | +0.14 pp |
| 1998 | 26.23 | +0.19 pp |
| 1997 | 26.03 | −0.03 pp |
| 1996 | 26.06 | −0.35 pp |
| 1995 | 26.41 | −0.55 pp |
| 1994 | 26.96 | −0.37 pp |
| 1993 | 27.33 | −0.08 pp |
| 1992 | 27.41 | +0.34 pp |
| 1991 | 27.07 | — |
The same indicator for neighboring countries — with links to their pages
The share of the female labor force that is unemployed. The gap with male unemployment reflects both the structure of labor demand and the barriers women face in reaching employment. In some countries the indicator looks favorable only because many women are outside the labor force altogether — it should be read alongside female labor force participation.
Source: ILOSTAT (ILO), license CC BY 4.0.
The share of men in the labor force who have no job and are looking for one.
Labor Unemployment rateThe share of the labor force that is looking for work and available to start.
Labor Female labor force participation rateThe share of women aged 15 and over who work or look for work — the main indicator of access to employment.
Labor Female share of the labor forceWhat part of the labor force of a country is made up of women.
