Understanding Female Employment Rates in the EU Labour Market

This study examines the key determinants of female employment rates across the European Union (EU), using 2022 Eurostat indicators aligned with Sustainable Development Goals 5 (Gender Equality) and 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). Although many European governments have been implementing various policies to reduce gender disparities in the world of work, inequalities still persist in terms of equal participation in the labour market, political representation and income distribution. A quantitative approach is adopted, whereby six socio-economic variables are analysed through multiple linear regression in order to identify significant predictors of female employment. Furthermore, hierarchical cluster analysis is employed to group EU countries based on shared labour market characteristics. Findings reveal that higher NEET rates and caregiving responsibilities among women are significantly associated with lower female employment, while male employment rates and unadjusted gender pay gaps show a positive correlation. Political representation by women shows a weak inverse relationship with female employment. Cluster analysis identified three distinct country profiles, highlighting structural divergences in labour market conditions and gender roles. This study contributes to the literature on gender inequality by providing a multi-dimensional empirical assessment across EU member states. Results underscore the need for combined strategies that promote work-life balance, support young women’s labour market integration, and address the structural roots of gender disparities.