For women, platform work is no easy gig

Domestic worker services are the latest addition to the platform economy—an area that has sparked ongoing debates about ethics and sustainability.

- Kalpana Viswanath

Questions are being raised about fair wages, safety, social security, and how this new form of gig work might affect traditional employer-employee relationships. Regardless of where this discussion leads, it is clear that gig work is transforming India’s rapidly expanding labour market. This sector is expected to reach a valuation of $100 billion this year, with over 77 million Indians engaged in gig work — women making up nearly 20% of this workforce. The gig economy includes ride-hailing, food and parcel delivery (including quick, ten-minute deliveries), as well as services such as beauty, cleaning, carpentry, and plumbing.

The flexible nature of gig work offers women an opportunity to balance employment with household responsibilities. In a country where traditional gender roles often limit women’s participation in formal employment, gig work provides a practical alternative. For instance, a survey by the World Bank found that 52% of women engaged in gig work reported greater economic independence. Many women also value the ability to choose jobs that fit their schedules, allowing them to manage both work and family commitments more effectively.