The global labor force participation rate for women stands at 48.7%, significantly lower than the 73.0% rate for men, according to a report by the International Labor Organization (ILO). This disparity is attributed to societal expectations and gender norms that hinder women's participation in the workforce.

The report highlights that around 2.4 billion persons aged 15 and above are outside of the workforce, with women accounting for 1.6 billion (66 percent) of this number. While many are in school or retired, a large proportion wish to work but face numerous job difficulties. Care responsibilities are cited as the main reason for not participating in the labor force, with 748 million people globally, or over 30 percent of inactive people, citing this as the reason.

The report emphasizes that women shoulder a disproportionate share of care responsibilities, preventing their participation in the labor force due to factors such as low education levels, limited job opportunities, poor infrastructure, rural residence, and inadequate care and support systems. Additionally, societal expectations and norms around caregiving further restrict women's labor market inclusion, deepening gender inequalities.

Sukti Dasgupta, Director of the Conditions of Work and Equality Department, notes that men typically cite personal reasons such as education or health-related concerns for not participating in the labor force. According to data from 108 nations, 60% of men cite personal reasons, with 22% of women doing the same.

The report also highlights regional disparities in labor force participation rates. While the difference is less pronounced in several wealthy European nations, where women's involvement rates surpass 70% and men's rates are just marginally higher, the gender gap grows significantly in regions such as the Arab States, Northern Africa, and Southern Asia, ranging from 46 to 54 percentage points.

In Africa, the figures tell a different tale. For women in North Africa, around 63% cite caregiving reasons as the rationale for not participating in the labor market, while only 28% of women in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) cite the same reason. The report notes that although female labor force participation rates are much higher in SSA, almost all working women (90%) are engaged in informal employment, which provides flexibility and autonomy to combine paid economic activity with care responsibilities.

The ILO report underscores the need to address the societal expectations and gender norms that hinder women's participation in the workforce. By recognizing the magnitude of unpaid care work and its impact on labor market participation, policymakers and stakeholders can work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable labor market.

The report's findings have significant implications for economic growth and development, as well as for gender equality and women's empowerment. As the world marks International Women's Day, it is essential to acknowledge the barriers that prevent women from achieving their full potential and to work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society.