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Abstract

Female labor force participation rates are an important element of emerging markets. Yet, there have been relatively few analyses of female labor force participation among countries in Asia. This study investigates the demographic, economic, and global factors that determine the female labor force participation rates (FLFPR) in Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan with a panel data sample of annual data ranging from 2000-2019. Based on the results of a Hausman (1978) test, a two-way fixed effects model is estimated to account for unobserved country-specific and time-specific heterogeneity. Explanatory variables include remittances, internet access, fertility rates, inflation rates, school enrollment rates, foreign direct investment, and balance of trade. The examination confirms the existence of a U-shaped relationship between economic development and FLFPR. The results show that FLFPR is positively correlated with the logged gross national income, unemployment rate, population using the internet, and primary school enrollment. The findings indicate a negative relationship between FLFPR and balance of trade, remittances, inflation rates, and fertility rates across Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan. The analysis suggests that policymakers should adopt a multifaceted approach to improve the FLFPR.

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