How Schooling for Girls Boosted Kids' Health in Rural Bangladesh

The 1994 Female Secondary School Stipend Program (FSSSP) in Bangladesh aimed to boost education for rural girls. This program had far-reaching effects, especially on the health of the next generation. Researchers looked into how this program influenced the health of children born to these educated mothers. The program made a big difference in how many children got all their vaccines. Kids whose mothers had access to the stipend for five years were 4. 2% more likely to be fully immunized. This shows that longer access to education for mothers can lead to better health for their kids. However, this benefit was not seen for mothers who only had two years of stipend access. The study also found improvements in other health areas. Mothers who benefited from the program were more likely to receive antenatal care. This care is crucial for both the mother and the baby. Additionally, there were positive changes in child health outcomes, like lower mortality rates. So, what drove these improvements? The program likely influenced several factors. Mothers who received the stipend might have delayed marriage and had fewer children. This could give them more time and resources to focus on their children's health. The program might have also boosted these mothers' autonomy and labor supply. This could mean they had more control over family decisions and better access to healthcare. Media exposure is another factor. Educated mothers might have better access to health information. This could help them make informed decisions about their children's health. However, the study did not provide clear evidence on this point. It's important to note that the study used a difference-in-differences model. This method compares changes over time between groups with different levels of exposure to the program. While this approach is useful, it has its limits. It assumes that the groups being compared would have followed similar trends if not for the program. This might not always be the case. The findings highlight the long-term benefits of investing in girls' education. However, the study also raises questions. Why did the benefits vary with the duration of the stipend? What other factors might have contributed to the observed improvements? These questions open up avenues for further research. The program's success also depends on its implementation. Policymakers need to consider how to make such programs sustainable and effective. They should also think about how to reach mothers who might not benefit fully from the program. For instance, those who only had two years of stipend access. In conclusion, the FSSSP shows that educating girls can have a ripple effect on child health. However, the program's impact is complex and influenced by many factors. Understanding these factors can help design better policies for rural communities.