The role of social media in women empowerment: A conceptual analysis

Abstract

Social media has emerged as a powerful enabler of women’s empowerment, fostering economic, social, and political participation. However, access to social media alone guarantees empowerment overlooks the mechanisms that make this possible. This conceptual paper proposes an integrative framework positioning digital literacy as a critical mediator between social media usage and empowerment outcomes. Grounded in Empowerment Theory and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), the study conceptualizes empowerment as a multidimensional construct encompassing economic, social, and political dimensions. Using a qualitative, theory-building approach and literature synthesis, the paper argues that connectivity alone is insufficient; digital literacy transforms access into purposeful engagement, enabling entrepreneurship, social inclusion, and civic participation. The framework challenges techno-deterministic assumptions and highlights the need for digital skills and supportive governance. Aligned with Malaysia’s MADANI agenda and SDG 5, the model contributes conceptually and guides strategies for equitable digital ecosystems, offering a foundation for future empirical research.