The Effect of Economic Growth on Women Labor Force Participation in Asian Muslin Countries with Respect to Demographic Factors

Increasing female labor force participation (FLFP) can improve the socioeconomic situation of nations and lead to sustainable development of societies. Therefore, the variable of female participation in the labor market and its determinants is one of the basic issues that have been frequently addressed in economic studies. This study examines the effect of economic growth on the participation of females in the labor market among Asian Muslim countries during 1995 to 2019 using a panel model. The results of the study indicate that if individual effects are not considered in estimating the panel data, as in previous studies, the U-shaped relationship between economic growth and female participation rates is confirmed among the set of countries considered. However if differences between countries are considered, this relationship is rejected. It is highlighted that considering the cross-country differences leads to clarification of unique dominated institutions in countries on FLFP as well as correct specification of the effect of economic growth on FLFP.