Family Matters: Social Networks and Women’s Economic Empowerment

Nono Akpedje Ayivi Guedehoussou, Abhilasha Sahay, Maria Emilia Cucagna and Mansi Sharma

No 11365, Policy Research Working Paper Series from The World Bank

Abstract: Social networks are a critical driver of women’s economic empowerment, particularly in contexts where women face mobility and normative constraints. Using baseline data from an impact evaluation in Nigeria, this study examines the association between social capital and labor market outcomes among vulnerable women, including those affected by HIV, survivors of gender-based violence, and caregivers of children living with HIV or exposed to sexual violence. Logistic and OLS models along with the community fixed effects are used to estimate the associations between social network characteristics and four labor market outcomes. The study finds that women with larger networks—specifically, having a family member in any occupation—are associated with 0.776 higher log-odds of paid work, two additional weekly work hours, and US$ 2 higher weekly earnings. Occupational diversity and prestige within family networks are also positively associated with improved labor outcomes, while weak ties (with friends and acquaintances) show limited effects. These findings, which remain consistent across Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) and post-LASSO analyses, highlight the importance of strong, family-based occupational networks and support targeted investments in women’s social capital to promote economic empowerment.

Date: 2026-04-27
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