Karen Macours

In this discussion, Karen Macours, an economist at the Paris School of Economics, sheds light on the detrimental effects of menstrual stigma on schoolgirls in Madagascar. She reveals how a groundbreaking program tackled this issue by encouraging open conversations about periods and empowering young girl leaders. The results showed a significant boost in mental health and graduation rates among participants. Macours emphasizes the importance of creating supportive school environments to enhance educational success and reduce anxiety for female students.

In this insightful discussion, Karen Macours, a Professor at the Paris School of Economics and co-chair of J-PAL's Health Sector, dives into the global sanitation crisis. She highlights the urgent need to end open defecation and the health risks tied to inadequate sanitation. Karen explores the effectiveness of different sanitation policies, emphasizing community-led initiatives and the surprising benefits of subsidies over loans. She also tackles the complexities of measuring health improvements linked to better sanitation, calling for innovative strategies to ensure lasting change.