The Effects of Childcare on Women and Children: Evidence from a Randomized Evaluation in Burkina Faso

Abstract

We study whether providing affordable childcare improves women’s economic empowerment and child development. Our analysis uses data from a sample of women participating in the public works component of a youth employment project in Burkina Faso. Out of 36 work sites, 18 were randomly selected to receive community-based childcare centers, with no childcare provision introduced in the remaining 18. We find that 25% of women offered the childcare centers use them. This triples the use of childcare centers for children aged 0 to 6, demonstrating high unmet demand. Women’s employment outcomes improve and we find positive impacts on financial outcomes and self-reported well-being. Additionally, child development scores increase. However, we find no significant effects on women’s decision-making power, gender attitudes, and intrahousehold division of labor, suggesting the limitations of childcare provision in enhancing women’s empowerment