Reproducibility package for Family Matters: Social Networks And Women’s Economic Empowerment

Social networks are a critical driver of women's economic empowerment, particularly in contexts with mobility and normative constraints. Using baseline data from an impact evaluation in Nigeria, this study examines the associations between social capital and labor market outcomes among vulnerable women, including those affected by HIV, survivors of gender-based violence, and caregivers of children living with HIV or exposed to sexual violence. We find that women with larger networks—specifically, having a family member in any occupation—are associated with 0.776 higher log-odds of paid work, 2 additional weekly work hours, and USD 2 higher weekly earnings. Occupational diversity and prestige within family networks are also positively associated with improved labor outcomes, while weak ties (with friends and acquaintances) show limited effects. These findings, which remain consistent across LASSO and post-LASSO analyses, highlight the importance of strong, family-based occupational networks and support targeted investments in women's social capital to promote economic empowerment.