Do empowered mothers foster gender equity and better reproductive health in the next generation? A quality analysis from rural Bangladesh

This policy brief describes qualitative research conducted in three rural Bangladeshi villages between 2001 and 2003. Particular attention was paid to both mothers and mothers-in-law, as women in the study areas tend to live with their mothers-in-law who, therefore, have a strong influence on their daughters' lives. The authors conclude that women "who were relatively empowered seemed to have a greater motivation and capacity" to improve the lives of their daughters and daughters-in-law. The researchers cite these examples of daughters helped by their empowered mothers and mother-in-laws as evidence of "real change" within their societies.