Do Female Education and Labor Force Participation Contribute to Economic Growth in Afghanistan?

Abstract

This study examines the effects of female Education and labor force participation on economic growth in Afghanistan over a period 2002-2019. The study used secondary data and employed descriptive design since the data was numerical in nature. The data was analyzed using Stata software where multiple linear regression was conducted to establish the correlation between dependent variable and independent variables. Descriptive statistics and test for multicollinearity were done to establish if the independent variables are highly related. The VIF test and correlation analysis were done to ascertain this. The data results were presented in tables. The regression analysis established that the correlation between Enrolment in Upper Secondary Education and Gross Domestic Product was positive and significant. The correlation between Labor Force Participation Rate and Gross Domestic Product was negative and significant. However, the correlation between Women Business and the Law Index and Gross Domestic Product was positive and insignificant. The correlation between Unemployment Rate and Gross Domestic Product was negative and insignificant. This result affirms that though unemployment rate has a negative impact on the economic growth, its effect is still insignificant. The Afghanistan government should come up with policies, rules, and laws that will encourage more female gender to be enrolled in upper secondary schools. Additionally, the government should also take care of workers interests, working environments and their rights to decrease the labor force participation rates in order to enhance economic growth.