Summary :
Abstract
As global efforts are directed at reducing fossil fuel dependence, it is essential to evaluate the impacts that energy policies have on gender disparities in labour markets. The links between fossil fuel subsidies and female labour force participation rates remain an important underexplored topic in both labour market and energy policy research. This study investigates the relationship between fossil fuel subsidies and female labour force participation rates in the Euro-Mediterranean region. The Method of Moments Quantile Regression is used to analyse how the relationship between fossil fuel subsidies and female labour force participation rates differs at various levels of labour force participation, providing a distributional perspective. Our findings indicate that fossil fuel subsidies have a negative effect on female labour force participation at lower quantiles, however, at higher quantiles, the impact of these subsidies is diminished. These results have significant policy implications, calling for the incorporation of gender dimensions in policy reforms pertaining to energy transition. Governments need to gradually phase out fossil fuel subsidies and redirect funds towards gender-responsive initiatives, such as skill development, and work incentives in sectors such as renewable energy. Our study contributes to the growing discussion on energy policy and labour market inclusion, offering empirical evidence that can assist policymakers aiming to bridge the gap between energy reforms and gender-inclusive employment.