This paper examines the effect of the introduction of a 1982 maternity benefit program on childbearing, employment and … paid leave and a small cash payment at birth. We use individual-level panel data on birth, employment and marital status … increase in fertility rates, particularly for second births among married and older women, providing suggestive evidence of an …

Exploiting a unique policy reform in Egypt that reduced the number of years of compulsory schooling, we show how it … entirely driven by girls from more disadvantaged households. Treated women later experienced important positive improvements in … labor market opportunity and marriage quality, as measured by bride price received and household bargaining power. We …