Sectoral and regional analysis of women's employment in Turkey

Women's employment and labor force data are among the most important development indicators of a country. While female labor force participation rates are high in developed countries, this rate is lower in less developed countries and developing countries. Women have always been in business life from past to present. However, it was the first time that they took part in the labor market for wages with the Industrial Revolution. The change in economic developments with globalization has created the expectation for women to take a place more in the labor market. However, women faced with many problems such as the values of society, the role of motherhood and housewife, low levels of education, gender equality, mostly took part in the informal sectors and a situation contrary to expectations occurred. In this study which is to determine the situation of female employment in Turkey, female employment is examined as a priority in its historical context. Then, it is included the sectoral employment of women in twelve regions in Turkey. The level of female employment versus regional male employment has been examined. Finally, factors affecting women's participation in the labor market, gender-based discrimination, and regulations and projects to increase women's employment are included. Keywords: Female Labor Force, Women's employment, Gender Discrimination