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The Impacts of COVID-19 on Female Labor Force Participation in the Islamic Republic of Iran

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  • Dang, Hai-Anh H.
  • Salehi-Isfahani, Djavad
  • Do, Minh N. N.

Abstract

Although female labor force participation in the Islamic Republic of Iran is among the lowest in the world, there is a lack of studies on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the country’s female labor force participation. This paper finds that female labor force participation decreased during the pandemic years by around 1 percentage point in 2021 and 2022. When controlling for excess mortality rates, the declines increase by as much as 3.9 and 8.7 percentage points in late 2021 and early 2022, respectively. Compared to the modest, pre-pandemic female labor force participation rates, these figures translate into 5 percent and 18-40 percent decreases, respectively. There is heterogeneity, with more educated individuals being more likely to work. Compared to married individuals, divorcees were more likely to work, and those who were widowed or never married were less likely to work. The results offer relevant inputs for labor policies, particularly those aimed at reducing gender inequalities.

Suggested Citation

  • Dang, Hai-Anh H. & Salehi-Isfahani, Djavad & Do, Minh N. N., 2024. "The Impacts of COVID-19 on Female Labor Force Participation in the Islamic Republic of Iran," Policy Research Working Paper Series 10801, The World Bank.
    • Handle: RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:10801
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