India’s gig economy is leaving its women behind, study finds
Executive Take
Gig platforms built for reach are still failing on inclusion. Companies that fix safety and flexible hours for women gig workers will access a labor pool most competitors are ignoring.
Executive Summary
An ILO-NCAER study finds women remain underrepresented in India's gig economy despite near-equal access to basic bank accounts. Barriers include gaps in digital skills, mobility, safety and social norms. India's gig workforce is projected to reach 23.5 million workers by 2029-30.
Why It Matters
HR and gig-economy leaders should care because a growing workforce segment is being locked out by fixable barriers like safety and digital access. Ignoring this limits talent supply as India's gig sector scales toward 23.5 million workers.
Bizquad Perspective
Bank account access data hides the real gap since financial inclusion means nothing without safe transport, flexible task hours and platform designs built around women's daily constraints.