Examine the role of the ‘Gig Economy’ in the process of empowerment of women in India. (150 words) [2021]

The gig economy has the potential to empower women in India through alternative employment opportunities and breaking traditional gender stereotypes.

Role of the gig economy in women’s empowerment in India:

Flexibility and work-life balance: The gig economy offers flexible work hours, allowing women to balance employment with unpaid care work and domestic responsibilities.
Access to diverse job opportunities: Women are increasingly participating in non-traditional roles like technology and engineering, where they were previously underrepresented.
Economic empowerment: Gig work enables women to earn a decent income, improving their standard of living and financial independence.
Breaking gender stereotypes: The gig economy challenges traditional gender roles by providing women with access to a wider range of job opportunities.

Challenges:

Digital divide: Limited access to digital technologies, especially for women in rural areas, poses a significant barrier to entry in the gig economy.
Wage disparities: Women gig workers often face wage disparities, with an 8-10% difference in earnings compared to male counterparts.
Limited social protection: The lack of standardized social protection benefits impacts women’s decisions to continue in the gig economy.
Need for policy and regulatory framework: Collaboration between the government and India Inc. is necessary to create an enabling environment for women gig workers, including strong public policy and regulatory frameworks.

The gig economy can significantly empower women in India by offering flexibility, diverse job opportunities, and economic independence. However, addressing the challenges is crucial for a more inclusive and gender-equitable gig economy. Collaboration between the government and private sector is essential to create a supportive environment for women gig workers.