Ultra-poor graduation program delays teen motherhood and boosts savings for girls in Bangladesh
This study examines whether ultra poor graduation enhances offspring’s economic mobility, human capital, and family formation.
Abstract
The authors examine whether Ultra-Poor Graduation (UPG) enhances offspring’s economic mobility, human capital, and family formation. Using an intent-to-treat design with household surveys and tracing of baseline children, the authors find persistent cross-generational gains: offspring (especially daughters) show higher labour force participation and greater personal savings; teenage childbearing declines; and treated households sustain higher consumption and livestock assets. However, the impact on occupational mobility is minimal, largely due to limited human capital accumulation. Overall, the authors conclude graduation delivers durable gains, though complementary measures may be needed to safeguard girls’ education.
This is an output of the Gender, Growth and Labour Markets in Low Income Countries programme.
Citation
Sulaiman M and others. (2025). ’Ultra-poor graduation program delays teen motherhood and boosts savings for girls in Bangladesh’ G2LM LIC Policy Brief, No. 78, 2025
Links
Ultra-poor graduation program delays teen motherhood and boosts savings for girls in Bangladesh