The Mis-Education of Women in Afghanistan: From Wage Premiums to Economic Losses
24 Pages Posted: 12 Sep 2024 Last revised: 7 May 2025
Abstract
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.
Keywords: returns to schooling, returns to experience, investments in education, Afghanistan
JEL Classification: C13, J31
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation