Digital transformation with female inclusion: opportunities, challenges and strategies to reduce technological gender gaps

This study aims to synthesise the scientific evidence on digital transformation and female inclusion by identifying the institutional strategies, structural barriers, technological training initiatives, and equity outcomes that shape women's participation in digital transformation processes. To achieve this objective, a systematic literature review was conducted following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, integrating empirical and theoretical evidence to analyse the relationships among institutional policies, digital transformation, gender equity, and women's inclusion across diverse socioeconomic and organisational contexts. The findings reveal that digital transformation is not determined exclusively by technological advancement but is shaped by a complex interaction of institutional, social, and cultural factors. In this regard, the review identifies persistent barriers associated with digital skills gaps, governance limitations, infrastructure inequalities, and broader gender disparities that continue to restrict women's participation in digital ecosystems. However, the evidence also highlights the relevance of coordinated public policies, organisational strategies, and digital training initiatives as mechanisms to strengthen women's capabilities and promote more inclusive transformation processes. By consolidating fragmented evidence from multiple contexts, this study provides an integrated perspective on the relationship between digital transformation and female inclusion. The proposed analytical framework contributes to a deeper understanding of how institutional policies, structural conditions, and digital capabilities interact to foster equitable and sustainable digital transformation, offering insights for researchers, policymakers, and organisations seeking to advance gender-responsive digital development.