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Overcoming Constraints to Female Labor Force Entry

Last registered on June 02, 2020

Pre-Trial

Trial Information

General Information

Title
Overcoming Constraints to Female Labor Force Entry
RCT ID
AEARCTR-0003221
Initial registration date
December 02, 2018

Initial registration date is when the trial was registered.

It corresponds to when the registration was submitted to the Registry to be reviewed for publication.

First published
December 06, 2018, 8:35 AM EST

First published corresponds to when the trial was first made public on the Registry after being reviewed.

Last updated
June 02, 2020, 7:42 AM EDT

Last updated is the most recent time when changes to the trial's registration were published.

Locations

Region

Primary Investigator

Affiliation
Lahore School of Economics

Other Primary Investigator(s)

PI Affiliation
Lahore School of Economics
PI Affiliation
University of Oxford
PI Affiliation
Lahore School of Economics

Additional Trial Information

Status
On going
Start date
2018-10-30
End date
2020-12-31
Secondary IDs
Abstract
The study is a randomized controlled trial to test the impact of a low-cost intervention to overcome psychological constraints to female labor force participation (FLFP). While socioeconomic background, information on available jobs and job skills are important determinants of entry into the labor market (Humphrey et al 2009; Jenson, 2012); studies have shown only modest impacts of job search assistance and skills training on employment and wages (see McKenzie 2017 for a review). Further, skills training programs often suffer from low enrollment (Cheema et al., 2012, 2015) and high cost (Adhoho et al., 2014); suggesting it is time to think of new interventions that can complement traditional skills training programs to promote employment. We investigate the extent to which psychological barriers and low motivation can constrain FLFP. We use light-touch motivational nudges to raise aspirations and promote job search effort. We will measure effort through a series of input and effort measures among female college students.
External Link(s)

Registration Citation

Citation
Ahmad, Hamna et al. 2020. "Overcoming Constraints to Female Labor Force Entry." AEA RCT Registry. June 02. https://doi.org/10.1257/rct.3221-5.0
Former Citation
Ahmad, Hamna et al. 2020. "Overcoming Constraints to Female Labor Force Entry." AEA RCT Registry. June 02. https://www.socialscienceregistry.org/trials/3221/history/69656
Sponsors & Partners

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Experimental Details

Interventions

Intervention(s)
Intervention Start Date
2018-10-30
Intervention End Date
2019-05-30

Primary Outcomes

Primary Outcomes (end points)
Our key outcomes variable will be whether the respondent finds a job. Our intermediate outcomes of interest will be a series of job search measures such as: whether the respondent signs up on the job search platform, creates a CV, seeks phone and (or) in-person job search assistance from a job search counsellor, applies for a job, shows up for an interview (conditional on receiving a call from a prospective employer) and time spent on job search.

Primary Outcomes (explanation)

Secondary Outcomes

Secondary Outcomes (end points)
Our secondary outcome of interest will be students' academic performance.
Secondary Outcomes (explanation)

Experimental Design

Experimental Design
We are running a randomised control trial to study the causal effect of motivational nudges in promoting female labour force entry in Lahore, Pakistan. Our target population is final year undergraduate students, with majors in liberal arts, from women only public colleges in Lahore. We randomly divide students into one of two groups: treatment and placebo. Students in the treatment group are exposed to a motivational documentary about educated women who are successfully pursuing a career. Students in the placebo group are exposed to a documentary on a distinct subject, which is not in any away related to the treatment. Students in both groups will be interviewed at baseline, provided information about a job search platform called 'Job Asaan' and followed up at endline.
Experimental Design Details
We plan to do a follow up round approximately 3 months after the baseline and intervention. During this follow up, a random one-half of treated and placebo students will be exposed to video messages and information a second time as they approach the end of their academic year. The repeat message will allow us to test whether motivational nudges are more effective in improving job search effort when reinforced frequently.
Randomization Method
Randomization done by computer.
Randomization Unit
Individual
Was the treatment clustered?
No

Experiment Characteristics

Sample size: planned number of clusters
29 colleges
Sample size: planned number of observations
3000
Sample size (or number of clusters) by treatment arms
29 women only public colleges in Lahore.
Treatment group: 1500 students
Control group: 1500 students
Minimum detectable effect size for main outcomes (accounting for sample design and clustering)
IRB

Institutional Review Boards (IRBs)

IRB Name
Research Ethics Review Committee, Lahore School of Economics
IRB Approval Date
2018-10-15
IRB Approval Number
RERC-102018-02
Analysis Plan

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Post-Trial

Post Trial Information

Study Withdrawal

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Intervention

Is the intervention completed?
No
Data Collection Complete
Data Publication

Data Publication

Is public data available?
No

Program Files

Program Files
Reports, Papers & Other Materials

Relevant Paper(s)

Reports & Other Materials