Impact of female labor force on economic growth: Panel data analaysis for upper middle income and low income countries

Women are a part of the economic system with its share in the labor force, which is one of the sources of economic growth. One of the conditions for achieving economic growth is to use resources efficiently. Even though the development level of the countries is different, balanced growth is the main target for every country. Women who make up half of the word' s population can participate in the labor force within the economic social and cultural structure of the society in which they live. In this study, the effect of female labor force on economic growth in upper-middle income and low income countries was investigated. From upper-middle income countries selected for analysis; Azerbaijan, Brazil, Georgia, South Africa, Mexico and Turkey. From low income countries selected for analysis; Guinea, Haiti, Niger and Madagacar. This analysis made for 10 countries. The relationship between female labor force and economic growth was examined by panel data analysis using the number of female labor force and real gross domestic product variables of 1990-2017. For these country groups, female labor force was found have a positive effect on economic growth. Keywords: Female Labor, Economic Growth, Upper-Middle Income Countries, Low Income Countries