Digital Landscape in the Empowerment of Women: A Systematic Literature Review and Future Agenda

Abstract

Abstract

This research focuses on determining women's empowerment in the digital age by examining the key factors that support it through digital media. It focuses on three main areas: 'digital acceptance,' which means the willingness to adopt digital technologies; 'digital adaptation,' the use of these technologies in daily life; and 'gender digital mediation,' how gender affects these processes in larger social and cultural contexts. The study also suggests futuristic studies to address theoretical gaps and promote the creation of inclusive digital policy frameworks.

The study adopted the PRISMA methodology. Here, a sum total of 47 articles were selected from the time frame of 2020-2025 and analysed through thematic analysis. This methodology provides a comprehensive, structured analysis of empowering women through digital media. The findings suggest a profound impact of digital media platforms on women's empowerment. Women using such platforms feel financially, economically and socially empowered by digital media. The findings have a far-reaching impact of various challenges and harassment of using this media. Although empowered women face cybercrime, digital harassment and other socio-cultural barriers while using digital media. Despite this, women are willing to use digital media for self-improvement and empowerment.

This study shows an extensive picture of the presence of digital media in the lives of women. By synthesizing the study, we elucidate how digital participation fosters autonomy and self reliance. This research provides direction for future researchers and academic practitioners seeking digitally equitable inclusion.

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