Addis Ababa- May 2024
A new study by the Network of Ethiopian Women’s Associations (NEWA), supported by IDRC’s GrOW project, shows that marriage is linked to lower chances of employment for young female graduates. NEWA and its partners have been working on this research project since April 2021, conducting both initial and mid-term reviews.
One major finding of the study is the increased rate of marriage among young female graduates and how it affects their chances of getting jobs. The study compared the marital status of participants at the beginning and mid-way through the research. Out of 1,144 participants, 936 were unmarried at the start. By the mid-term review, a year later, 83 had gotten married, while 853 remained unmarried. This change is significant, with more participants getting married and having children over time.
The research also looked at how marriage affects women’s involvement in economic activities. It found that 26.3% of unmarried participants were engaged in economic activities, compared to only 13.4% of married participants. This suggests that married women face more challenges in participating in economic activities. Additionally, 73.0% of unmarried participants were looking for higher-paying jobs, compared to 57.7% of married participants. These findings show that married women struggle more to balance work with family responsibilities, limiting their economic opportunities. Also, only 8.9% of married participants had started small businesses, compared to 15.1% of unmarried participants.
The study used detailed statistical analysis considering factors like living arrangements, wealth, marital status, and type of university or college attended. It found that marital status significantly impacts employment opportunities. Unmarried young female graduates had a 51.0% higher chance of participating in economic activities than their married counterparts. This suggests that marriage can hinder career development, especially for women early in their careers. Additionally, the study found that some women marry for economic reasons, as men are expected to provide for their families, while women handle unpaid care and domestic work. This social pressure can push women to marry for economic security and social status.
These findings suggest the need for policies to address gender norms and help more women enter the labor market. The lower economic engagement of married women indicates a need for targeted support, such as childcare, flexible work opportunities, and training programs that fit their schedules. By addressing these needs, policies can help ensure that both married and unmarried women have equal opportunities to participate in and benefit from economic activities.
