Navigating The Gig Landscape: The Ascendance Of Women In India's Evolving Workforce
In the dynamic landscape of India”s workforce, a noteworthy shift is occurring with the steady rise in women”s participation in the gig economy. A recent research report by Taskmo, a tech-driven gig discovery platform, reveals a remarkable 300% year-on-year increase in women engaging in gig work during the second and third quarters of the calendar year 2022.
Growth in Women”s Participation:
Taskmo”s platform, which offers over 15,000 tasks daily, caters to a diverse range of enterprises, from large corporations to small and medium businesses and startups. The data indicates a substantial increase in women”s participation, rising from 27% to 36% in the last quarter. Moreover, there is a notable surge in the demand for remote work among women, emphasising the changing dynamics of work preferences.
Opportunities in the Gig Economy:
The gig economy, characterised by flexibility and task-based engagements, is becoming an attractive avenue for women seeking opportunities for additional income, portfolio development, and a balanced personal and professional life. The appeal lies in the absence of a full-time commitment and the freedom associated with gig work.
Addressing Societal Perceptions:
The traditional duality in perceiving women in India is acknowledged, with society oscillating between reverence and a belief in the need for protection and limited economic autonomy for women. Despite these challenges, the gig economy presents a transformative opportunity to reshape these perceptions and empower women economically.
The Economic Growth Imperative:
Recognising the underutilisation of the female workforce, there is a growing emphasis on promoting gender equality to drive India”s economic growth. Studies, including one by Bloomberg, highlight the potential for substantial GDP expansion by narrowing the employment gap between men and women.
Business Initiatives for Gender Equality:
Business entities, particularly Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), are taking proactive steps to promote gender equality and empower women in the workforce. Initiatives such as the UNDP”s women@work campaign showcase success stories of SMEs investing in a women-led workforce.
Gig Economy and Technological Advancements:
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the rise of the gig economy, offering flexible and freelance work arrangements that particularly benefit women. The gig economy”s potential to expand women”s employment is highlighted by providing opportunities for remote and online work platforms.
Reskilling and Technology Adoption:
To fully unlock the corporate potential of women workers, reskilling becomes crucial. Offering training in relevant skills, especially in the formal sector, enables women to adapt to new technologies and industry advancements, bridging the gender gap and creating more employment opportunities.
The Wage Code, 2019:
The Wage Code, 2019, plays a significant role in empowering women in the labour market. Ensuring equal pay, timely payment, and favourable working conditions, it promotes gender equality and supports the advancement of women workers, extending its protection to the unorganized workforce.
Towards an Empowered Future:
Unlocking India”s corporate potential through women workers requires a collaborative approach involving the government, civil society, communities, and businesses. Inclusive policies, equal opportunities, and measures to prevent discrimination are essential to foster women”s empowerment. By investing in reskilling, addressing societal barriers, and adopting forward-thinking policies, India can unlock the vast potential of its women workers, driving sustainable economic growth and fostering a more equitable society.
