Menstrual stigma, hygiene, and human capital: experimental evidence from Madagascar

Karen Macours, Julieta Vera Rueda and Duncan Webb

NOVAFRICA Working Paper Series from Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Nova School of Business and Economics, NOVAFRICA

Abstract: Menstrual stigma is pervasive in low- and middle-income countries, yet we know little about its consequences for girls’ human capital. In a field experiment in 140 schools in Madagascar (N=2,256), we evaluate a school hygiene program focused on reducing menstrual stigma through sanitation infrastructure, menstrual products, and teacher- and peer-led sensitization. The program generates substantial learning gains (0.15 SD) without improving attendance or health. The learning gains are instead explained by psychosocial mechanisms: reduced stigma, lower stress measured by heart rate, and a better school social climate. Our results suggest that menstruation can be a meaningful barrier to girls’ learning.

Keywords: Menstrual stigma; Learning outcomes; School climate; Psychosocial mechanisms; Social norms; Adolescent girls; Field experiment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: C93 I12 I21 J16 O12 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 95 pages
Date: 2026
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-edu and nep-exp
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:unl:novafr:wp2605

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