Author(s):
1. Esmeralda Shehaj, Albania
2. Artane Rizvanolli, University of Riinvest Prishtina, Serbia
3. Hyrije Abazi-Alili, South-East European University, Macedonia

Abstract:
The aim of this paper is to investigate the determinants of labour force participation (LFP) in three transition economics, Albania, Kosovo and Macedonia. For the empirical analysis of the study for the case of Albania we employ LSMS of 2008 data conducted by the Institute of Statics in Albania (INSTAT); for the case of Macedonia we use household survey data for 2009 conducted by the South East European University in cooperation with UNDP Macedonia; and for the case of Kosovo we employ UNDP Kosovo Remittance Survey 2011. To examine the relationship between LFP and its determinants such as education, remittances, number of children, illness, and other controlling variables we apply probit estimation technique through cmp model, which enables us to control for the endogeneity of education, remittances, illness and children with LFP. Generally our findings suggest that education, age, marriage, ethnicity (Macedonian ethnicity), income and urban areas have positive and significant impact on labour force participation. Comparison of the three countries results are provide in the study. The focus of this study is in suggesting policy recommendation on empowering women.

Key words:
Labour Force Participation, Women Empowerment, Education,

Date of abstract submission:
22.01.2014.

Conference:
REDETE 2014 - Researching Economic Development and Entrepreneurship in Transition Economies