Gender-Specific Transportation Costs and Female Time Use: Evidence from India’s Pink Slip Program

Yutong Chen, Kerem Cosar, Devaki Ghose, Shirish Mahendru and Sheetal Sekhri

No 19122, CEPR Discussion Papers from C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers

Abstract: Reducing gender-specific commuting barriers in developing countries has complex and diverse effects on women's labor dynamics. We study a program that offers free bus rides for women in several Indian states (the Pink Slip program) using a synthetic difference-in-differences approach to shed light on labor supply and time use decisions of women. We observe decreased bus expenses and time saved on travel. Skilled employed women increase labor supply, while low-skill married women shift focus to household chores. Unemployed women intensify job searches, yet overall employment rates remain unchanged. Our findings highlight that alleviating commuting costs does not uniformly boost women's labor participation, as gender roles and societal norms continue to shape outcomes.

Keywords: Transport; Gender; Time-use; Female labour force participation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: J16 J22 R41 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024-06
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