Shaping Equality: The Potential of Gig Work in Empowering Female Workers and Fostering Gender Equality Analysis

Abstract

The presence of gigs, crowds, platforms, and flexible work is not a novel phenomenon within the Indian labor market. The convergence of technological advancements, evolving demographics among new entrants, and external factors like Covid-19 increased gig-work prevalence. It is widely acknowledged that the gig economy is poised to expand further and contribute to the advancement of women's employment. This is attributed to its foundation in flexible, temporary, or freelance job structures, often facilitated through online platforms for client or customer connections. Recognizing a more prominent female workforce and their participation in various sectors is also relevant. The study underscores the growing utilization of digital technology and the heightened acceptance of virtual work, particularly in sales and distribution roles, as a key driver of gender equality in the gig economy. This shift could create opportunities for women to venture into fields where interactions predominantly occur through apps and phone calls. Consequently, gig work is perceived as a means to empower female workers, offering them an avenue to attain parity with their male counterparts. The inherent flexibility in work hours is deemed especially valuable for women who are concurrently engaged in unpaid domestic labour. In summary, gig work is viewed as a mechanism that not only fosters gender equality but also provides women with the means to balance professional commitments with domestic responsibilities.