Multidimensional indices for assessing the status of women and girls: A systematic review of approaches, indicators and applications

Background The status of women and girls is a multidimensional construct involving social, economic, political, and cultural factors related to gender inequalities, empowerment, and well-being. However, differences in conceptual frameworks, indicators, and methodologies limit the comparability of existing assessments. This study aimed to identify the approaches, indicators, methodologies, analytical tools, and applications used in the scientific literature for assessing women’s status. Methods A systematic literature review was conducted following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Studies were retrieved from Scopus and Web of Science without time restrictions. After applying eligibility criteria and completing the identification, screening, and selection processes, 39 studies were included. Data analysis was supported by Microsoft Excel, RStudio, and VOSviewer to identify patterns and synthesize evidence. Results The findings show considerable methodological diversity in multidimensional index construction. Social independence was the most frequently reported indicator category, followed by socioeconomic status, decision-making, and psychological agency. The SWPER methodology was the most commonly applied approach, followed by principal component analysis and factor analysis. The main evaluated dimensions were social independence, agency development, and decision-making, while multilevel modelling and regression analysis were the most frequently used analytical tools. Research was concentrated mainly in Sub-Saharan Africa and Bangladesh. Conclusions Multidimensional indices provide relevant frameworks for assessing women’s status and supporting evidence-based policies. Nevertheless, methodological heterogeneity highlights the need for standardized criteria for indicator selection, weighting, and validation. Future research should expand geographical coverage and incorporate advanced analytical approaches to strengthen gender equality monitoring.