EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND WOMEN’S EMPLOYMENT: CROSS-COUNTRY EVIDENCE FROM OECD PANEL DATA

This study explores the association between policies on early childhood education and women’s participation in the labor market across OECD countries during the period 2000–2023, employing panel data methods. The key explanatory factor is the gross enrollment ratio in early childhood education. The results indicate that expanding opportunities for early childhood education is linked to a notable increase in female labor force participation. These findings remain stable across different model specifications and, consistent with human capital theory, suggest that early childhood education facilitates mothers’ return to employment by easing the burden of childcare. In addition, the impact is more substantial in countries that complement education investments with broader family policies, including parental leave schemes, flexible work practices, and childcare support.The evidence is in line with previous empirical research, emphasizing that early childhood education not only enhances women’s employment prospects but also contributes to children’s long-term cognitive development. From a policy perspective, the results highlight that early childhood education should not be viewed solely as a social support instrument but rather as a central component of strategies designed to advance gender equality and promote sustainable economic growth.