GS-1: Social empowerment; Role of Women and Women’s Organization

In News: Calling out exploitative labour dynamics on platforms

1.Critically examine how the digital platforms have transformed the nature of work for women, especially within India’s gig economy.

The gig economy, defined by short-term and flexible work arrangements facilitated by digital platforms, has allowed women in India to increase their economic participation. It offers a flexible, accessible, and often innovative means for women to engage in paid employment.

Opportunities for women in the gig economy:

1. Flexibility and work-life balance: Digital platforms provide women with the ability to work flexible hours, which is crucial for those balancing domestic responsibilities.
2. Access to remote work: Many platforms enable women to work from home, helping them navigate patriarchal restrictions on mobility and providing a safer working environment.
3. Increased participation in the workforce: The gig economy has become a significant source of employment, with estimates suggesting that around 7.7 million workers were engaged in gig jobs in India by 2020-21.
4. Entrepreneurial opportunities: The digital economy has fostered an environment conducive to small-scale entrepreneurship among women, with a notable increase in women-owned enterprises over the past decade
5. Financial independence: Gig work offers women a chance to earn supplemental income or become financially independent, especially in rural areas with limited job opportunities.
6. Skill development and upgradation: Many platforms provide training and skill-building opportunities, enhancing women’s employability and career prospects.
7. Global reach: Digital platforms can connect women to a global market, enabling them to work with clients from around the world.

Challenges faced by women:
1.Exploitative labour practices:
● Wage theft and high commissions: Platforms often deduct a large portion of earnings (10%-35%) as commissions, leaving women with significantly less take-home pay, even after working long hours..
● Job insecurity and biassed rating systems: Many platforms use rating systems that penalise workers based on customer feedback, often influenced by biases like gender or race. A low rating can lead to loss of income or even termination, leaving women in a precarious financial position with little recourse.
● Excessive workload and unrealistic targets: Platform companies impose unrealistic targets and excessive workloads on gig workers, leading to stress and burnout.
● Lack of social security: Gig workers are denied basic social security benefits, such as health insurance, retirement benefits, and maternity leave.
2.Digital patriarchy:
● Gender-based discrimination: Women gig workers are often relegated to low-paying and undervalued jobs, such as domestic work and delivery services.
● Algorithmic bias: Algorithms used by platforms can perpetuate gender bias, limiting women’s opportunities and earnings.
● Sexual harassment and online abuse: Women gig workers are vulnerable to online harassment, abuse, and sexual exploitation.
3.Lack of regulatory oversight:
● Weak labour laws: Existing labour laws are inadequate to address the unique challenges faced by gig workers.
● Regulatory arbitrage: Platform companies often exploit regulatory loopholes to avoid accountability.
Solutions to combat labour exploitation:

1. Legal recognition as employees: Governments should pass laws that classify gig workers as employees, ensuring they receive labour rights such as minimum wage, paid leave, and social security.
2. Establishment of regulatory frameworks: Governments should create specific labour laws for gig workers to ensure fair pay and worker protections.
3. Improved safety and anti-harassment measures: Platforms must implement stronger safety protocols and protection against harassment.
4. Addressing gender bias in algorithms: Platforms should revise algorithms to prevent gender discrimination and ensure equal opportunities for women.
5. Promote unionisation: Encourage the formation of worker unions to empower gig workers and collectively bargain for better working conditions.
6. Regulate platform companies: Impose stricter regulations on platform companies to ensure transparency, accountability, and fair treatment of workers.
7. Invest in digital literacy and skill training: Provide women with the necessary skills and training to participate meaningfully in the digital economy.
   Digital platforms offer women flexibility and economic opportunities but come with exploitative practices. Legal reforms, better protections, and union support are needed to ensure fairness and security in the gig economy.

PYQ

1. Examine the role of ‘Gig Economy’ in the process of empowerment of women in India. 2021

Source:

https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/calling-out-exploitative-labour-dynamics-on-platforms/article68853105.ece