The Mis-Education of Women in Afghanistan: From Wage Premiums to Economic Losses
Rafiuddin Najam, Harry Anthony Patrinos & Raja Bentaouet Kattan
World Bank Policy Research Working Paper 10888 | DOI 10.1596/1813-9450-10888 | September 2024
This paper uses microdata from the Labor Force and Household Surveys conducted in Afghanistan to show the wage premium differences for education between men and women, documenting a significantly larger premium for women. This sharp distinction is causal as demonstrated by analysis of the compulsory schooling law. Recent bans on women’s education and employment are projected to have significant negative impacts on women’s future schooling, wage growth, and national income growth.
Education, economics and public policy 