Published Online: 01 February 2026
Authors: Meeta S. Pradhan, Rachana Upadhyaya, Dil B. Khatri, Mani Ram Banjade, Dipika Das, Gyanu Maskey and Sushant Achary
Available at: https://doi.org/10.1080/09718524.2025.2607964
Abstract: Existing frameworks and tools for women’s economic empowerment (WEE) put stress on the underlying complexities of defining it in dynamic contexts. Missing in these frameworks are the burgeoning use of digital technology in improving WEE, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this paper, we identify this gap in available WEE frameworks, and propose ways to account for dynamic risks and external shocks, while recognizing the growing importance of digital technology in improving WEE. In the proposed framework, we integrate the missing domains for an “ecosystem of support” approach for WEE, to create an enabling environment for shock resilient enterprises, in the context of agriculture and forest-based economies, particularly in low-income countries. The framework constitutes of five domains—social-cultural, economic, policy, technological, and environmental—that are interlinked and essential for strengthening WEE. It underscores the potential of digital and financial technology and the necessity for risk preparedness and management in the face of climatic and other external shocks. Underlying this framework is the approach of co-production processes in understanding and addressing gender-based barriers and co-designing the ecosystem of support. We showcase learnings from Nepal which demonstrates applicability of the framework as an analytical tool to understand the challenges of creating an ecosystem of support for WEE.