Washington(The COW News Digital)A new report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has revealed that between January and August 2025, approximately 455,000 women across the United States left their jobs — marking the largest exodus of women from the American workforce since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Economists and social scientists are expressing concern over this growing trend, which they describe as a troubling reversal of decades of progress in women’s labor participation.
According to the report, the primary reasons cited for women leaving the workforce include childbirth, burnout, overwhelming workloads, family obligations, and uncertain economic conditions. Experts note that the cost of raising children has become a significant deterrent for working mothers, with annual childcare expenses ranging between $9,000 and $24,000 (equivalent to PKR 25–67 lakh).
“This trend highlights the widening gap between family responsibilities and workplace flexibility,” said Professor Laura Chen, a labor economist at Stanford University. “Women, especially those in mid-level positions, are being forced to choose between career advancement and caregiving.”
The data also indicates that women in sectors such as healthcare, education, and corporate services are leaving at higher rates than men. Analysts believe this reflects deep-rooted structural challenges — including unequal pay, lack of paid maternity leave, and inadequate childcare support — that continue to push women out of full-time employment.
Sociologists warn that this phenomenon could have long-term consequences for both the economy and gender equality. For the first time in nearly a century, the United States may witness a decline in female economic independence — an alarming shift considering the historic progress made in women’s rights and workplace inclusion.
“The freedoms that American women have fought for over the last hundred years are being undermined by modern economic pressures,” observed Dr. Sarah Williams, a gender studies expert. “If systemic support isn’t strengthened soon, we could see a generational setback.”
The Biden administration has yet to issue an official statement on the findings, but labor advocates are urging policymakers to implement childcare subsidies, flexible work arrangements, and stronger protections for working mothers.
