The Influence of Arts Education on Creativity, Critical Thinking, and Emotional Well-Being among Students

Abstract

The rise of the gig and platform economy has significantly changed the nature of work in India as well as in many other parts of the world. Digital platforms providing services such as food and courier delivery, ride-hailing, home-based care, and online freelancing have opened new income avenues and are often promoted as flexible employment options. However, for many women engaged in this sector, the reality is far more complex. Their work is marked by unstable earnings, lack of social security, unclear employment status, and very limited access to formal mechanisms for resolving workplace issues. These challenges are further shaped by social expectations around unpaid household responsibilities, mobility restrictions, and safety concerns associated with late-hour or field-based work.

Alongside economic vulnerability, women gig workers increasingly report facing various forms of digital abuse. Instances of online harassment, stalking, threatening messages, derogatory ratings, misuse of personal information, and safety risks during customer interactions have become common. This growing digital violence adds a serious layer of insecurity to an already precarious form of work.

Despite these issues, current Indian labour legislation including the Labour Codes of 2020 does not fully recognise the status or rights of platform-based workers. Similarly, existing digital safety mechanisms are inadequate in addressing the unique risks faced by women in gig work. This paper explores the intersection between labour rights and digital safety, highlighting the urgent need for gender-responsive regulation, stronger social security protections, and effective systems to prevent and address digital violence against women gig workers.