Background and objective The Sarpol-e Zahab earthquake in November 2017, in addition to causing physical destruction, left profound psychological and social impacts on women. Women—particularly those in underprivileged rural areas—experienced increased family responsibilities, reduced employment opportunities, and limited access to services. This study examines the barriers to women’s empowerment in such crisis conditions and explores their role in social recovery and sustainable development. Empowering rural women by providing educational and occupational opportunities and enabling them to participate in decision-making processes can be a key factor in achieving sustainable development. This study aimed to offer practical strategies to support affected women and assist policymakers in designing effective post-disaster programs.
Method This qualitative research was conducted to examine the resilience of rural women in Sarpol-e Zahab County, Iran following the earthquake. Data were collected through 27 in-depth interviews with officials, experts, and local informants across three villages. Thematic analysis was performed in five stages, resulting in 144 initial codes, which were categorized into 27 sub-themes and four main themes: individual resilience, socio-cultural influences, economic contexts, and institutional support. Reliability was assessed using test–retest and inter-coder reliability, estimated at 71.3% and 69.4%, respectively.
Results The findings identified four major themes. Individual resilience—education, technical skills, positive attitudes, and prior experiences were key factors that enhanced women’s empowerment and strengthened their effective participation in community reconstruction. Socio-cultural influences—male support, religious beliefs, social participation, and support networks played a significant role in reducing inequalities and empowering women. Economic contexts—income levels, self-employment, and governmental support contributed to economic independence, improved livelihoods, and women’s psychological well-being. Institutional support—government programs, cultural attitude shifts, and the quality of social interactions significantly enhanced women’s resilience and sustainable development.
Conclusion This study demonstrates that the resilience of earthquake-affected women in Sarpol-e Zahab County is influenced by the interaction of individual, social, cultural, and economic factors. Education, skill development, support networks, and religious beliefs play crucial roles in empowering women and strengthening their participation in post-earthquake reconstruction. Theories, such as social empowerment, social bonding, human capital, and hope underscore the importance of education, decision-making participation, and emotional and economic support. Furthermore, investment in women’s education and employment enhances resilience, reduces inequalities, and increases their role in sustainable development and crisis management.