Empowering marginalised women in rural Indonesia: a multifaceted approach

Purpose This study aimed to thoroughly explore the empowerment of marginalised women by addressing structural and cultural barriers, while recognising the significant roles played by the demographic in food security, informal labour and the preservation of traditional knowledge. It also aimed to examine the importance of an integrated hybrid approach, incorporating education, economic resources and cultural transformation, while identifying programmatic gaps and offering practical recommendations for inclusive and sustainable development. Design/methodology/approach In order to achieve the stated objectives, a qualitative design based on a systematic literature review (SLR) was adopted. This approach was used to identify, evaluate, and synthesise peer-reviewed literature, policy reports, as well as previously conducted empirical studies on the empowerment of rural women in Indonesia. The analysis was carried out using the NVivo software for thematic coding and integration of theoretical insights from the feminist political economy and the empowerment model introduced by Naila Kabeer. Findings The literature review conducted showed four key findings, namely: (1) structural barriers, including limited access to land, financial capital, and vocational training (2) persistent patriarchal norms that constrained women’s agency and participation (3) how current empowerment programs were often narrowed in scope and lacked cultural responsiveness and (4) there is a substantial need for integrated, community-based strategies that combine economic, educational, and socio-cultural components. Research limitations/implications This study is limited by its reliance on secondary data through an SLR, which may restrict the generalisability of findings to diverse rural contexts. The qualitative focus excludes quantitative assessments, potentially overlooking measurable impacts of empowerment programmes. Practical implications The study recommends strengthening local empowerment initiatives through inclusive policy reforms, skills-based training, and access to appropriate technology to support the autonomy and well-being of rural women. Social implications This study underscores the critical need to address structural and cultural inequalities that marginalise rural women, fostering social inclusion and equity. Originality/value This investigation contributes to the academic discourse by filling a gap in understanding how feminism and multidimensional empowerment intersect in rural contexts. It also offers actionable insights for policymakers and practitioners, which can be adopted to develop sustainable, community-based strategies for the empowerment of women.