Silver lining in the cloud: digital technology as an intervention mechanism for women in developing online social capital to achieve resilience during crisis

Purpose This research examines how digital communication technology can act as an intervention tool to develop online social capital and resilience when normal bonding and support reduces during crisis. Design/methodology/approach Using 21 semi-structured interviews, the experiences of women are explored to understand how they strengthened their capabilities to acquire support and achieve resilience during crisis. Findings Findings demonstrate different ways women developed their bonding and bridging social capital at personal, family and community level to seek online support and empower themselves to achieve disaster resilience. While the context of this study is pandemic, findings are applicable to other crisis scenarios. Originality/value The research enhances the importance of online social capital in developing agency, capabilities and resilience during crisis. It enables to understand how practitioners should not limit technology use to disaster preparedness and prevention, but it could also be used in responding and recovering from crisis.