The Mis-Education of Women in Afghanistan: From Wage Premiums to Economic Losses

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