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Bangladesh Female Secondary School Stipend Program

Bangladesh, Asia (South)

One of the world's largest conditional cash transfer programs for girls' education, covering 2+ million girls annually across 460 rural districts since 1994. Girls receive monthly stipends and tuition waivers conditional on 75% attendance, remaining unmarried until 18, and passing exams. Rigorous evaluations show 8% increased enrollment per additional year of program exposure, delayed marriage, and positive spillover effects on younger siblings' education. The model has influenced girls' education policy across South Asia and Africa.

Behavior Goal

Increase girls' secondary school enrollment and retention through financial incentives conditional on attendance and delayed marriage

Methods & Approaches

Channels

Implementers & Partners

  • Government of Bangladesh
  • World Bank

Donors & Sponsors

  • World Bank
  • Asian Development Bank
  • Government of Bangladesh

Key Takeaways

  • 12+ million girls receive stipends annually across 460 rural districts
  • 28% enrollment increase per year of program exposure
  • 3Conditions include 75% attendance, remaining unmarried until 18
  • 4Positive spillover to younger siblings' education

Sources

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