Is it possible to broaden women's inclusive rights by improving their participation in the labor market? A new perspective at the global level

Abstract

Purpose

The objectives of this study are twofold: (1) to investigate whether the increase in FLFP enriches women's inclusive rights (economic, social, and political), (2) whether the effect of FLFP on inclusive rights is different across different economics (developed vs developing).

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilizes panel data encompassing 188 countries spanning the years 1981–2011. Discrete choice models, namely ordered probit and ordered logit, are employed, while also controlling for observable heterogeneity across countries, including factors such as inflation, income inequality, education, and human rights.

Findings

We find a positive association between FLFP and all aspects of women's rights (economic, social, and political). The results related to developed and underdeveloped countries are robust for women's political rights; however, the effect of FLFP on women's social and economic rights is insignificant for developing countries.

Originality/value

The need for continuous policy commitment to gender equality may be needed to bring about equality of inclusive rights (economic, social, and political rights) and to fulfill the sustainable development goals (SDGs). Therefore, the current study particularly adds value in existing research by investigating (empirically) the link between FLFP and different dimensions of women's inclusive rights.

Citation

Naveed, A., Ahmad, N., Aslam, A., Choudhry, M.T. and Bekdash-Muellers, H. (2024), "Is it possible to broaden women's inclusive rights by improving their participation in the labor market? A new perspective at the global level", International Journal of Manpower, Vol. 45 No. 8, pp. 1493-1515. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJM-11-2023-0650