Women in India's Gig Economy:

Opportunities and Challenges

Ranjana Singh

When we talk about women's empowerment, there is a heavy emphasis on financial independence. In this context, the gig economy has emerged as both a catalyst for change and a reflection of the challenges women face in pursuit of economic autonomy. Despite the inherent difficulties that women encounter, often stemming from household responsibilities and societal expectations, there is a growing realisation that genuine empowerment is intricately linked to financial self-sufficiency. The gig economy, with its flexible work structures, presents a promising avenue for women seeking to navigate these challenges. However, the journey towards economic empowerment for women in the gig economy is not without its obstacles. Socio-cultural barriers persist, constraining the full realisation of the perceived flexibility and opportunities offered by this evolving work model. Nevertheless, as women increasingly recognise and leverage the potential of the gig economy, a slow but significant shift is underway, fostering a path towards greater financial independence and empowerment.

 India's Gig Economy

India's gig economy has experienced a significant transformation since the rise of digital platforms. Originally dominated by Flipkart in 2010, it has now positioned itself as the world's second-largest market for freelance professionals.  Around 7.7 million people work in India's gig economy and the sector is expected to swell to 23.5 million by the end of the decade, according to NITI Aayog.

In 2020, the government introduced a draft policy aimed at including gig and platform workers within the purview of the social security code. This comprehensive legislation consolidates nine different laws related to labour welfare and rights.

Although the provisions specifically addressing gig workers and platform workers from the Code on Social Security, 2020 are yet to be enforced, the intent is to formulate appropriate social security schemes for these workers. These schemes will cover aspects such as life and disability insurance, accident coverage, health and maternity benefits and old-age protection. Derived from laws such as The Employees Compensation Act, The Employees State Insurance Act, The Maternity Benefit Act, The Building and Other Construction Workers Cess Act and The Unorganised Workers' Social Security Act, the Code also outlines the establishment of a Social Security Fund.

Women in India's Gig Workforce

While India is yet to develop specific social protection measures designed for women gig workers, amplifying the reach and penetration of existing government schemes can be a building block in achieving equity for women gig workers.

The Periodic Labour Force Survey Report 2022-23 by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, revealing a substantial 4.2 percentage point surge in the Female Labour Force Parti-cipation Rate to 37.0% in 2023, underscores the Government's concerted efforts towards women's empowerment. This progress is not merely a statistical uptick but a testament to a holistic agenda focused on long-term socio-economic and political development for women. The government's multifaceted initiatives, spanning the entirety of women's lifecycles, play a pivotal role in removing socio-cultural barriers to their participation in the labour force.

A crucial aspect of this transformative agenda is the emphasis on education and skill development for girls, ensuring that they are equipped with the tools necessary to navigate and contribute to the evolving workforce landscape. By fostering an environment conducive to women's empowerment, the government's policies have not only addressed existing challen-ges but also have laid the groundwork for the creation of more opportunities for women. This extends beyond the traditional workforce, reaching into the burgeoning gig economy. The focus on entrepreneurship facilitation aligns with the changing dynamics of work, allowing women to explore and thrive in diverse sectors.

Moreover, the commitment to ensuring safety in the workplace is instrumental in dismantling systemic barriers that have historically hindered women's participation. By addressing these nuanced challenges, the government's 'women-led development' agenda not only propels increased female labour force participation but also lays the foundation for a more inclusive and dynamic economic landscape. As a result, women in India now find themselves better positioned to contribute meaningfully to both traditional and gig workforce sectors, unlocking new vistas of opportunity and fostering a more equitable and progressive society.

Breaking the Barriers: New Gig Opportunities for Women

As per an industry report, women gig workers in India are predominantly engaged in four specific domains - (i) beauty and grooming, where women contri-bute their skills to the burgeoning demand for personal care services; (ii) domestic help, where their expertise extends to household chores and assis-tance; (iii) cab driving, challenging traditional gender norms in transportation and (iv) food delivery, navigating through the bustling urban landscapes to meet the demands of the dynamic culinary sector. This insight underscores the multi-faceted roles women play within the gig economy, breaking barriers across industries traditionally characterised by distinct gender roles.

As women consistently shatter barriers and digital platforms offer a myriad of opportunities, those engaged in the gig economy stand on the cusp of a revolutionary era where achieving work-life balance becomes an attainable reality. Among the burgeoning sectors within the gig economy, skilled as well as semi-skilled women take the lead in fields undergoing dynamic evolution, including the following:

Virtual Assistance: A virtual assistant (VA) is an independent professional who provides administrative, creative, technical, or support services to clients remotely. Virtual assistants leverage digital technologies and communication tools to complete tasks and collaborate with clients from different locations. These tasks can encompass a wide range of activities, including email management, scheduling, data entry, social media management, customer support and more. The appeal of virtual assistants in gig work lies in their ability to offer specialised skills on-demand without the need for a physical presence. Businesses and entrepreneurs can access a pool of virtual assistants with expertise in various domains, allowing for efficient delegation of tasks and cost-effective solutions. For virtual assistants, the gig model provides the freedom to choose clients, set their own rates and tailor their services to meet the evolving demands of the market.

Brand Advocacy: Brand promoters are freelancers who actively represent and market a brand or company across digital platforms. These freelancers utilise their online influence, frequently on social media platforms, to endorse products or services and interact with their audience. Going beyond tra-ditional marketing, their gig involves cultivating a more personalised connection between the brand and its intended audience. Brand promoters generate content, such as posts, videos, or stories, showcasing the brand's offerings and emphasising its distinctive features. Companies often collaborate with these brand promoters to leverage their reach and influence within specific niches, establishing a mutually beneficial relationship.

Online Tutoring: Online tutoring refers to the provision of educational assistance or instruction via digital platforms and the internet. This form of tutoring has gained significant popularity due to its accessibility and flexibility. Online tutors connect with students through various virtual mediums, such as video conferencing, online chat, or interactive whiteboards, allowing for real-time communication and collaboration. The subjects covered in online tutoring can range from aca-demic subjects like mathe-matics, science and languages to test preparation and specialised skills development. One of the key advantages of online tutoring is the ability to transcend geographical limi-tations, enabling students to access expert tutors or educational resources globally. The convenience of scheduling sessions at flexible times and the elimination of commuting contri-bute to the appeal of online tutoring for both students and tutors.

Creche Workers: For many women seeking part-time employment, working as caregivers at creches or daycares emerges as a meaningful gig opportunity that seamlessly blends purpose with flexibility. Serving as pillars of support, these women play a crucial role not only in nurturing the well-being of the children under their care but also in enabling their counterparts engaged in full-time work to pursue their professional endeavours with peace of mind. This gig work not only provides a source of income but also offers a fulfilling sense of purpose as caregivers contribute to the growth and development of the next generation. In this symbiotic relationship, the caregivers find a balance between their personal and professional lives while facilitating the aspirations of working parents, highlighting the transformative impact of gig work in fostering community support and empowerment.

Finding Your Gig Niche

Maximise your success in the gig economy by following these key tips:

·         Firstly, assess your skills and identify what you can offer in the gig market, leveraging your training and experiences. Whether you posess a particular skill or aspire to develop new talents, showcasing your expertise enhances your appeal to potential employers.

·         Next, explore online gig platforms that cater to your interests and preferences. Research the varied requirements and benefits these platforms offer, ensuring they align with your needs, such as payment rates and remote work options. Consider reading reviews from other gig workers to gain insights into different work cultures and values.

·         Leverage your professional network by informing your connections about your job search. Communicate your skills and experiences, as they might be aware of relevant opportunities or can connect you with informal gigs. Networking can also yield valuable advice on potential options and recommendations for online gig platforms.

·         Establishing a consistent routine is crucial for success in gig work. Despite the flexibility it provides, having a structured schedule helps you remain focused and productive. This routine is especially beneficial for maintaining a healthy work-life balance if you are a gig worker or freelancer.

·         Keep your resume, website, portfolio and professional profiles updated, particularly if you are targeting skilled gig opportunities. Showcase your latest work to demonstrate your qualifications to potential employers. Utilise your free time for training courses or certifications to enhance your credentials. Consider advertising your services on online gig market places and ensure your information is accurate to attract clients effectively.

Challenges Faced by Women in the Gig Economy

·         Old-fashioned beliefs, about women in the workplace hinder their overall participation in the gig economy.

·         Gender gaps in smartphone and mobile internet usage hinder women's participation in the digital gig landscape. Lower digital literacy among women necessitates hands-on assistance, hindering their growth in the digital gig environment.

·         Machine-learning algorithms unintentionally perpetuate gender biases, assigning women certain tasks and reinforcing traditional roles.

·         Global studies reveal a gender pay gap within the gig economy, perpetuated by systemic biases and the lack of women in decision-making roles. Achieving gender diversity in leadership is crucial for addressing these disparities.

·         While the gig work culture appears to provide women with flexibility, sometimes, it amplifies gender inequalities. Advocates argue that gig platforms offer freedom from strict working hours, but this perspective reinforces traditional familial responsibilities, placing a 'double burden' on women. Juggling unpaid and paid work negatively impacts women's well-being, leaving little time for rest.

·         The informal and flexible nature of gig work has led to the 'feminisation of casual work,' concentrating women in traditionally feminine roles with inferior working conditions and wages.

Conclusion

India's working-age female population is more diverse than ever, with women from different socio-economic and cultural backgrounds and varying levels of education and skills participating in the gig workforce. However, while the gig economy may bring more women into the labour market, there are central issues around women's workforce participation that need to be addressed.

Women platform and gig workers must have full access to social protection to secure their access to income and healthcare, including coverage for unemployment, maternity, employment injury, sickness, old age, disability, loss of income provider and child maintenance. Such protection is necessary to realise their human right to social security and improve labour market efficiency. With adequate social protection and gender-inclusive policies, women gig workers will be enabled to sustain gig work, thereby contributing to the overall growth and diversity of the labour market.

(The author is an educationist and a career counsellor.

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Views expressed are personal.