Female labor force participation rate in Iraq
Iraq: Female labor force participation rate was 10.8% in 2021. ▼ Falling
Female labor force participation rate in Iraq, 1977–2021
Source: Labour Force Statistics, via World Bank (2026) – processed by Our World in Data. Measured in %.
Analysis
The most recent figure for female labor force participation rate in Iraq is 10.8%, measured in 2021.
The figure is down 9.5% over ten years.
Over the whole period, female labor force participation rate in Iraq peaked at 15.8% in 1977 and was at its lowest, 8.7%, in 1997.
Iraq ranks 193rd of 194 countries on this measure, in the bottom quarter.
Averages by decade
| Decade | Average | Lowest | Highest | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 15.8% | 15.8% | 15.8% | 1 |
| 1980s | 10.5% | 10.5% | 10.5% | 1 |
| 1990s | 8.7% | 8.7% | 8.7% | 1 |
| 2000s | 12.2% | 12.2% | 12.2% | 1 |
| 2010s | 12.8% | 11.2% | 14.5% | 4 |
| 2020s | 10.8% | 10.8% | 10.8% | 1 |
Countries ranked near Iraq
More work & labour data for Iraq
- Legislation on sexual harassment in employment 1 (1=yes; 0=no) (2023)
- Criminal sanctions or compensation for workplace sexual harassment 1 (1=yes; 0=no) (2023)
- Women can take the same jobs as men 1 (1=yes; 0=no) (2023)
- Labor force participation rate, total (% of total population ages 15+) 41.5% (2025)
- Labor force participation rate, male (% of male population ages 15+) 72.6% (2025)
- Ratio of female to male labor force participation rate (%) 15.1% (2025)
- Labor force participation rate, female (% of female population ages 15 10.9% (2025)
- Labor force participation rate, total (% of total population ages 15-6 43.4% (2025)
- Labor force participation rate, male (% of male population ages 15-64) 75.0% (2025)
- Labor force participation rate, female (% of female population ages 15 11.5% (2025)
Frequently asked questions
- What is female labor force participation rate in Iraq?
- Female labor force participation rate in Iraq was 10.8% in 2021, according to Labour Force Statistics, via World Bank (2026) – processed by Our World in Data.
- What is the highest female labor force participation rate recorded in Iraq?
- The highest recorded value was 15.8% in 1977.
- What is the lowest female labor force participation rate recorded in Iraq?
- The lowest recorded value was 8.7% in 1997.
- How does Iraq rank for female labor force participation rate?
- Iraq ranks 193rd out of 194 countries with data for 2021.
- Is female labor force participation rate rising or falling in Iraq?
- Over the last ten years it is down 9.5%. The long-run trend across the full record is falling.
- Where does this Iraq data come from?
- The figures come from Labour Force Statistics, via World Bank (2026) – processed by Our World in Data, published as part of Female labor force participation rate. Statizoid updates them automatically from the source API.
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About this data
Share of the female working-age population who are economically active (employed or unemployed). Figures refer to national estimates and may not be fully comparable across countries.