Sample Answer
Introduction
Gig economy is a labour market characterised by the prevalence of short-term contracts. Most of the gig economy runs on digital platforms like uber, swiggy etc. Rapid growth of digital communication enabled the growth of gig economy in India. As per ASSOCHAM, there are 15 million freelancers or Gig workers in India.
Body
Role of Gig economy in women empowerment:
- The part time nature of gig jobs, flexible working timings and Option to work from home due to usage of digital technologies will encourage more women to participate in the labour market which will have the following advantages
- Financial independence and more spending on nutritional requirements on the family as a result of it.
- Agency over reproductive choices improves.
- Skill development
- Safety of women from sexual harassment at work place.
Challenges:
- Unequal access to digital technologies
- Norms and perceptions around ‘appropriate’ work continue to dictate opportunities for women
- Gender bias of algorithms
- Lack of social security and wage gap
Conclusion
So, it is important to bridge the gender digital divide and mandatory coverage of gig workers under social security schemes of government to enable women to reap the benefits of gig economy.
