Alessandra Voena

Alessandra Voena is a Professor of Economics at Stanford University, affiliated with the Department of Economics. Her research focuses on Development Economics, Labor Economics, Family Economics, and Science and Innovation. She examines topics such as gender norms, marriage institutions, household decision-making, and the intersection of cultural practices with economic outcomes. Her work spans both developed and developing countries, addressing issues like child marriage, female education, land rights, and pandemic impacts on women's well-being.

Voena holds a prominent position in the field, with research emphasizing the role of traditional institutions in modern economic contexts. Her studies include analyses of dowry systems, bride price effects, and the socioeconomic consequences of cultural practices such as female genital cutting. She also explores policy interventions in health insurance design and social safety nets in low-income settings.

Her recent publications (2023–2025) highlight interdisciplinary approaches, blending economics with demography and public health. Key themes include entrepreneurial performance after childbirth, pandemic effects on gender disparities, and the economic rationale behind child marriage as informal insurance mechanisms. She is actively involved in field experiments, notably in India and Zambia, evaluating health and agricultural policies.

Alessandra Voena is based at the Landau Economics Building, Stanford, and can be reached via avoena@stanford.edu. Her research agenda bridges theoretical and applied economics, with a focus on global development challenges and gender equity.