Gender disparities in vocational rehabilitation: A scoping review on employment and empowerment among persons with disabilities

Despite international efforts to promote inclusive development, women with disabilities still face substantial employment barriers. Despite the fact that vocational rehabilitation (VR) programs are intended to be beneficial, gender disparities, continue to be a significant obstacle. In order to fill this gap, this study uses a mixed-methods scoping review in accordance with PRISMA-ScR guidelines. The researcher conducted a thorough search of four significant scholarly databases to find research on gender, virtual reality, employment, and empowerment outcomes that were published between 2000 and 2025. Consistent trends were found in the review: women with disabilities faced numerous, interlocking obstacles, whereas men with disabilities consistently experienced higher employment rates, improved job retention, and higher income following VR. These included caregiving duties, limited career advancement, gender bias in hiring, and limited access to skills training, all of which contributed to underemployment and a decline in self-efficacy. The results show how urgently gender-sensitive VR tactics—like adaptable training plans and mentorship programs—as well as laws that correct systemic injustices are needed. Developing equitable VR frameworks will require expanding research in underrepresented regions and bolstering the evidence base with gender-disaggregated data. The review concludes that improving employment equity and empowering individuals with disabilities requires VR to be transformed into a truly inclusive system. • Mixed-methods scoping review was conducted, analyzing literature from 2000 to 2025 across major academic databases. • The review found persistent gender disparities in VR, affecting access, participation, and outcomes. • Men with disabilities consistently showed higher employment rates, better job retention, and more income growth after VR. • Women with disabilities faced a combination of barriers, including caregiving responsibilities, limited access to training, and social biases. • These gender gaps went beyond employment, impacting empowerment outcomes, with women reporting less self-confidence and fewer opportunities for leadership and career advancement. • The findings emphasize the need for gender-sensitive VR strategies, such as flexible training, mentorship, and supportive workplace policies. • The review calls for evidence-driven policy changes and more research that separates data by gender, especially in low- and middle-income countries.