Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/271933 
Year of Publication: 
2023
Series/Report no.: 
CESifo Working Paper No. 10289
Publisher: 
Center for Economic Studies and ifo Institute (CESifo), Munich
Abstract: 
Menstruation can limit female labor force participation, especially in low-income countries, where menstrual hygiene practices are constrained by lack of finances and information. In a randomized controlled trial with around 1,900 female workers from four Bangladeshi garment factories, we relax both constraints individually and jointly by providing free sanitary pads and information on hygienic menstrual practices. Both access to sanitary pads and information improve menstrual practices, either by the adoption of new products, or by knowledge gains and improved use of traditional materials, and both interventions improve health outcomes. However, these positive effects do not translate to better labor outcomes, such as earnings and work attendance.
Subjects: 
menstrual health
health behaviour
labor force participation
export manufacturing
JEL: 
O14
O15
O35
M54
J32
J81
Document Type: 
Working Paper
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