Vocalize, empathize and understand: soul sisters Pakistan fostering empowerment for women online

Purpose This study explores how Soul Sisters Pakistan (SSP), a women-only Facebook community, fosters empowerment, solidarity and digital feminist agency among Pakistani women. While prior research has examined general online support groups, limited attention has been given to how women in patriarchal societies use digital platforms to negotiate identity, voice and power. This study addresses that gap by examining the lived experiences of Pakistani women engaging with SSP as a safe, supportive and empowering digital space. Design/methodology/approach Using a qualitative design grounded in digital feminism, the study conducted in-depth interviews with 26 Pakistani women, aged 20–35, who were active members of SSP. A semi-structured interview guide was used to collect data, which was then analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings Three interconnected themes emerged: (1) creating a safe space for shared identity and solidarity, where women build trust and belonging free from social judgment; (2) accessing multifaceted support for personal and social challenges, encompassing emotional reassurance, knowledge exchange and legal or educational awareness and (3) Fostering empowerment through voice and agency, where participation enhances confidence, decision-making and feminist consciousness. These findings reveal that SSP functions as a transformative digital ecosystem that helps women navigate patriarchal constraints while cultivating collective resilience and leadership. Originality/value This study extends Digital Feminism theory by situating it in a Global South context, demonstrating how online communities can foster everyday forms of activism through empathy, anonymity and solidarity. It offers practical implications for NGOs, policymakers and digital platform designers seeking to create inclusive and supportive online ecosystems for marginalized voices.