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UPSC Mains 2021

Examine the role of ‘Gig Economy’ in the process of empowerment of women in India.

General Studies Paper - 1, Topic: Women Empowerment

Jan 12, 2023

2 min read

The gig economy, which refers to the growing trend of short-term, flexible, and independent work arrangements, has the potential to play a significant role in the empowerment of women in India. One of the main benefits of the gig economy is that it allows women to work on their own terms, with greater flexibility in terms of when and where they work. This can be especially beneficial for women who have caring responsibilities, as it allows them to balance their work and family obligations more easily.

 

For example, the rise of online platforms such as Amazon and Flipkart has created opportunities for women in rural areas to earn money by selling their products online. This has provided them with a sense of financial independence and has also helped them to be more self-reliant. Similarly, the emergence of ride-hailing platforms like Ola and Uber has created opportunities for women to become drivers, which is traditionally a male-dominated profession in India. This has allowed them to earn a decent income and improve their standard of living.

 

In addition, the gig economy has also helped to break down traditional gender stereotypes and has provided women with access to a wider range of job opportunities. This has led to an increase in the number of women working in non-traditional roles, such as in technology and engineering, where they were under-represented in the past.

 

In conclusion, the gig economy has the potential to play a significant role in the empowerment of women in India. It offers greater flexibility in terms of when and where to work, which can be especially beneficial for women with caring responsibilities. Additionally, it provides opportunities for women to earn money and break down traditional gender stereotypes. Thus, it can be a powerful tool in helping to bridge the gender gap in the Indian workforce.

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