Using household survey data and logistic regression modelling for Mauritius from 2006 to 2008, we investigate
the factors that encourage and also deter women from entering the labour market. Our findings corroborate
with previous evidence for developing countries and indicate that the greater a woman’s educational level, the
greater her participation; and that older woman participates more, though the rate of growth of this effect
decreases. In addition, secondary education proves to be a significant determinant of female labour
participation rate in Mauritius. Our results also reveal that married women are less likely to enter the labour
force. In fact marital status is one of the most important factors averting them from work.