A longitudinal study of the effect of integrated literacy and basic education programs on women's participation in social and economic development in Nepal

The Girls' and Women's Education Policy Research Activity in Nepal investigated the impact of women's literacy programs by examining measures of socio-economic status, as well as indicators of women's social and economic development, including: 1) literacy and education, 2) children's education, 3) family and reproductive health, 4) participation in income-earning activities, 5) community participation, and 6) political participation. The study examined two integrated literacy programs: the Basic and Primary Education Project (BPEP) and the Health Education and Adult Literacy (HEAL) program. This study tested three hypotheses concerning the impact of integrated literacy programs on development. These hypotheses focused on respondents' awareness (knowledge and attitudes) and behavior (practice and skills). The hypotheses were; Women who participate in women's integrated literacy programs: