Purpose: Women's economic participation is recognized as a key factor in sustainable development and the reduction of gender inequality. However, evidence regarding the intensity of this impact varies. The main objective of this study is to identify factors influencing women's economic participation.
Method: The research uses a qualitative method and a meta-synthesis approach, which is developmental in nature. This research, employing a meta-synthesis approach, searched Scopus, Emerald, Magiran, and the Comprehensive Humanities Sciences Portal databases using keywords related to women's economic participation. After removing irrelevant and undesirable articles based on a cycle conducted through the PRISMA framework and applying a critical appraisal skills test, 35 relevant articles remained.
Findings: Through the analysis and combination of codes and their evaluation using the Kappa index, the findings revealed the identification of 5 selective codes (individual factors, social factors, political factors, cultural factors, and educational factors) and 39 core codes.
Results: The results show that women's economic participation has a positive relationship with increased gross domestic product, poverty reduction, improved child health and education, and the strengthening of democracy. The findings emphasize the importance of supportive policies to expand employment and educational opportunities for women, reform discriminatory laws and regulations, and strengthen a culture of gender equality.