Analyzing The Linkage Between Female Labor Force Participation And Female Working Poverty In Selected  South Asian Economies

The study aims to determine the relationship between female labor force participation and female working poverty in six South Asian economies (India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal and Bhutan), considering the role of urban population growth and current health expenditures. The study employs generalized least squares random effect model by utilizing latest available balanced panel data from 2015 to 2019. The findings reveal a significant inverse relationship between female labor force participation and female working poverty. It also indicates a significant positive relation between urban population growth, current health expenditures and female working poverty. It justifies the need of addressing the root factors behind female working poverty, rather than focusing solely on enhancing the current health expenditures and speeding up the urbanization for resolving the issue of female working poverty. The study highlights important areas for the future research to reduce female working poverty in South Asia.