Abstract:
Mothers of children with disabilities face unique challenges in accessing and maintaining work
engagements, impacting their labor market participation and economic well-being. This study aimed to
assess the labor market participation experiences and associated factors among mothers of children with
disabilities in Bahir Dar city. A mixed explanatory sequential research design was employed, involving
200 randomly selected mothers from seven special education needs schools. The study targeted mothers
of children with intellectual, hearing, visual, and physical disabilities. Data collection utilized self administered questionnaires and interviews. Multiple linear regressions were conducted, revealing a
significant association between various socio-economic factors and mothers' labor market participation.
Findings indicated that mothers caring for children with disabilities exhibited lower workforce
participation rates and income levels significance was observed at a 93% confidence level (B = -.156, p =
0.061), indicating a significant association. Work satisfaction emerged as a critical factor (mean = 1.49,
SD = 0.74), with a positive effect on labor market participation (B = 0.179, p = 0.045), underscoring the
importance of addressing job satisfaction to retain mothers in the workforce. Household income
negatively impacted labor market participation (mean = 2.31, SD = 1.25; B = -0.593, p = 0.000), with
higher incomes leading to decreased participation due to increased caregiving responsibilities. Support
services significantly enhanced labor market participation (mean = 4.0, SD = 0.12; β = 0.999, p = 0.000),
highlighting the importance of accessible healthcare, financial aid, and school services for children with
disabilities. The severity of the child's disability also influenced employment opportunities (mean = 3.01,
SD = 0.78; B = 0.156, p = 0.025), with less severe disabilities positively correlating with increased labor
force participation. Key influential factors identified included support services, disability type, care needs
of the child, severity of the child's disability, psychological factors, caregiving responsibilities, and
household income. Additionally, demographic factors such as the sex of the child and the child's disability
type significantly influenced mothers' labor market participation. Interview results underscored the desire
of unemployed mothers for paid work, highlighting the need for flexible job opportunities and enhanced
social support to facilitate their workforce participation. This study contributes valuable insights into the
challenges faced by mothers of children with disabilities in the labor market, emphasizing the importance
of tailored support mechanisms and inclusive policies to promote their economic empowerment and well being.