The Importance of women's employment in Turkey and its economic effects

Purpose of the research: As in many developing countries, the labor force participation rate of women in Turkey remains lower than that of men. Although the reasons for this situation vary from country to country, they are generally based on cultural and social norms. The influence of the cultural roles that society attributes to women is clearly observed in most of the problems experienced by women in the labor market in Turkey. Because of these roles that society assigns to women, women cannot find an equal place with men from the first moments of their lives. Women who are deprived of educational equality remain in a disadvantaged position compared to men in working life. Therefore, public authorities need to guarantee girls' right to education and eliminate cultural barriers that prevent them from accessing educational opportunities on an equal basis with men. Additionally, housework and care services are another important reason why women remain out of the labor market. In this context, the development of public policies for care services is of great importance. Increasing public investments in child and elderly care services and providing affordable, quality care services will both ease the burden on women in society and indirectly offer new employment opportunities to women. Although significant progress has been made in gender equality, there is still a long way to go both around the world and in Turkey. Global data show that the international community must act jointly without delay. Strengthening women's employment means empowering women and therefore strengthening humanity. Research Method: In the first part of this study, the concept of women's employment will be defined and the historical development of this concept and its effects on the economy will be summarized. In the second part, the relationship between women's employment and the economy will be examined; in the last part, the relationship between women's employment and gross domestic product (GDP) will be explained using time series analysis methods.