There is compelling evidence to show that supporting children’s development and enhancing women’s participation in economic activity increase economic development, reduce poverty, and improve household wellbeing. Providing affordable, quality childcare contributes to both.
However, research and policymaking relating to childcare often occurs in siloes—with one group of people interested in improving early childhood development (ECD) and another group of people interested in supporting women’s economic empowerment. Because of these siloes, few policies, programs, or research studies connect the vision of nurturing and caring for children with the vision of encouraging women’s employment and economic wellbeing. In a new paper, we bridge this gap to examine whether community-based childcare centers can improve early childhood development and increase women’s economic empowerment.