Empowering Urban Women in Indonesia: The Role of Social Media in Maternal, Economic, and Civic Participation

The rapid advancement of digital technology, particularly social media, has transformed the socio-economic landscape for urban women in Indonesia. This study examines the role of social media in maternal, economic, and civic empowerment, focusing on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, and YouTube. Through a qualitative descriptive approach, indepth interviews with women in Jakarta and surrounding areas reveal how social media fosters self-awareness, entrepreneurship, and community engagement. The findings indicate that social media facilitates access to critical information on parenting, health, and financial management, enhances women's participation in digital entrepreneurship, and strengthens their engagement in civic advocacy and activism. However, the study also highlights challenges, including misinformation, cyber harassment, and algorithmic biases, which can limit the full realization of digital empowerment. The research contributes to theoretical discussions on digital inclusion and gender media serves as both an enabler and a constraint in women's self-empowerment journeys. It underscores the importance of digital literacy, policy interventions, and platform accountability to ensure equitable and safe digital participation for women. The study calls for targeted government and private sector initiatives to enhance online safety, support women-led businesses, and promote digital education. By addressing these issues, social media can continue to be a transformative force for gender equity and women's empowerment in Indonesia.