Gigin sees 75% rise in female gig workers in metro cities

Gigin, a tech platform connecting informal workers to employers, has seen a 100-fold increase in female participation in the gig workforce compared to previous years, with 75 per cent of this growth concentrated in metro cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, and Delhi.

Considering the fact that more than 450 million people are employed in the informal sector, this segment warrants attention and infrastructural support. The findings show that roles such as housemaids, HR and recruitment specialists, production worker assistants, customer service representatives, data entry clerks, and retail salespeople have experienced an over 300 per cent rise in applications from women candidates.

Interestingly, the platform has observed spikes in applications during festival seasons, with increases of up to 50 per cent in certain roles, indicating that women strategically leverage gig opportunities to supplement their incomes during peak periods. Perhaps most significantly, households participating in the gig economy through the platform have experienced an average income boost of 30 per cent, substantially impacting economic stability and financial empowerment.

Notably, 60 per cent of female gig workers return for new opportunities within three months, underlining the high levels of satisfaction and engagement fostered by the company's services.

Talking to Bizz Buzz, Surinder Bhagat, Founder & CEO, Gigin said, “The increasing number of women embracing gig work through our platform is a powerful testament to the transformative potential of technology in promoting gender equality and economic empowerment". "By providing a secure and accessible platform, we are not only unlocking new opportunities for women but also challenging deep-rooted societal norms and biases that have historically hindered their participation in the workforce," Bhagat added.

He further said, “At Gigin, we envision a future where economic empowerment and gender parity are the norm rather than the exception. Therefore, the increase in women’s participation in the Gig economy is an exciting trend for us. Every woman who joins our platform gains financial independence and inspires future generations. This is reshaping societal norms, empowering communities, and propelling India towards a more equitable future where gender is no longer a barrier to success. We are honoured to play a pivotal role in this shift.”

The company's data aligns with national trends identified by other credible bodies. A recent study by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) indicates a 35 per cent overall rise in the female gig workforce across India. Furthermore, the Indian Labour Organization (ILO) has underscored the importance of this shift in challenging traditional gender roles.

Mahesh Kumar, Co-Founder and CPTO of Gigin, said, "At Gigin, we believe that empowering women is not just an ethical imperative but also a strategic business decision. By tapping into the immense talent and potential of India's female workforce, we are not only driving positive social change but also fostering a more diverse, innovative, and competitive gig economy that benefits all stakeholders."

Kumar added that the surging number of women embracing gig work through our platform is a testament to the power of equal access and opportunity. We take immense pride in providing a secure and empowering environment where women can navigate the gig economy landscape, shattering conventional barriers and unlocking their full economic potential. This shift clearly shows the unwavering determination and resilience of India's female workforce, poised to redefine the future of labor in our nation.

As the gig economy continues to reshape the employment landscape, Gigin remains steadfast in its mission to be a means for positive change. It breaks down barriers and fosters an inclusive and equitable workforce that enables individuals to thrive and communities to prosper.