Women in Gig Economy Take Centre Stage as Govt Highlights Surge in Female Participation

India’s growing gig economy and rising female workforce participation came into sharp focus as Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya celebrated women delivery partners at the landmark event ‘SwigStree: Celebrating Women on the Move’, organised by Swiggy.

The event honoured women working across Swiggy Food Marketplace and Instamart, many of whom have overcome significant socio-economic challenges to earn livelihoods and support their families—symbolising a broader shift in India’s labour landscape.

Women’s Participation Key to ‘Viksit Bharat’ Vision

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mandaviya emphasised that women’s participation in the workforce is both a social necessity and an economic driver.

“Empowering women is central to building a Viksit Bharat,” he said, highlighting the transformative changes in employment trends under the current policy framework.

India has seen a notable improvement in key labour indicators:

• Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR) rose from 23.3% in 2017–18 to 40% in 2025

• Female Worker Population Ratio (FWPR) increased from 22% to nearly 39%

• Female Unemployment Rate (FUR) declined from 5.6% to 3.1%

“These numbers reflect that more women are not only entering the workforce but also successfully finding employment,” the Minister noted.

Social Security Expansion Strengthens Workforce Inclusion

Dr. Mandaviya also pointed to a major expansion in social protection coverage, with social security reaching over 64.3% of the population in 2025, up from just 19% in 2015.

He attributed this growth to reforms in labour laws, digital inclusion, and targeted welfare delivery, which have helped bring previously unorganised workers—especially women—into formal support systems.

Labour Codes Mark Structural Shift

A key highlight of the address was the impact of the four Labour Codes, implemented last year, which aim to modernise India’s labour ecosystem.

The Code on Social Security (2020) was particularly noted for:

• Recognising gig and platform workers for the first time

• Providing them with legal identity and access to social security benefits

“The principle of equal pay for equal work is now enshrined in law,” Mandaviya said, calling it a significant step toward eliminating gender-based wage disparities.

The Labour Codes also introduce provisions such as:

• Work-from-home flexibility

• Maternity benefits

• Crèche facilities at workplaces

These measures are designed to address structural barriers that have historically limited women’s sustained participation in the workforce.

Gig Economy Emerging as Catalyst for Women’s Empowerment

The Minister highlighted the unique role of platform-based jobs in empowering women, noting that gig work offers flexibility that aligns with personal responsibilities and individual preferences.

“Women delivery partners are not only supporting their families but also driving societal progress and inspiring future generations,” he said.

The rise of gig platforms has opened new avenues for women, particularly in urban and semi-urban areas, enabling them to balance work with caregiving responsibilities.

Celebrating Resilience and Breaking Barriers

At the event, Dr. Mandaviya felicitated several women delivery partners who have demonstrated exceptional resilience and determination, often navigating social and economic hardships to build independent livelihoods.

Swiggy Co-founder and Group CEO Sriharsha Majety and other dignitaries were also present, underscoring the growing collaboration between government and private sector in promoting inclusive employment.

A Changing Workforce Landscape

The event reflects a broader transformation in India’s labour market—where technology, policy reforms, and social change are converging to create new opportunities for women.

As the gig economy expands and labour protections evolve, policymakers see women’s workforce participation as a key pillar of inclusive growth and long-term economic development.