Understanding and improving women's work on digital labor platforms

This research project explores the opportunities and challenges faced by women in accessing work on digital labour platforms in select developing countries (India, Kenya, Uganda and Nigeria) where these platforms are gaining prominence as a vehicle for development and income generation. Recent research undertaken by the ILO shows that while some income generation opportunities and scope for flexibility are created through labour platforms, challenges associated with discrimination, low and unstable pay, difficulties in access to work, and poor access to social protection are common. Such challenges have the potential to be magnified for women in developing countries, who already face several socio-economic gaps in the world of work. The project hence brings to the fore the experiences and voices of diverse women in developing countries on digital labour platforms through empirical primary surveys and interviews across multiple sectors. The sectors for the study are country specific and identified based on the scoping study. This is complemented by an analysis of secondary literature and a mapping of the policy environment around digital economy. The project also undertakes ‘country deep dives’ to produce country studies through engagement with key stakeholders including government officials (Ministry of Labour and Ministry of ICT), trade unions, employers’ organizations, and labour platform companies to identify the issues and challenges so that action can be undertaken to ensure women’s participation in the emerging digital landscape and to address gender gaps and discrimination at the country level. Finally, the project engages with key stakeholders to enhance their knowledge and capacities on promoting decent work opportunities for women through validation and dissemination workshops of the knowledge products and the recommendations. The ILO is uniquely placed to undertake this work as it is a tripartite organization and it has a history of conducting research on gender issues in the world of work. It has over the years developed strong expertise and a range of tools to address issues relating to gender equality and discrimination. ILO also carries the institutional responsibility of Discrimination (Employment and Occupational) Convention, 1958 (No.111).

Project symbol

INT/20/01/GAT

Admin unit

RESEARCH

Start date

22/10/2020

End date

30/04/2024

Total allocation

1002227

Total expenditure

Status

Closed

988877

Development Partners

Gates Foundation

Country/Countries

India
Uganda
Global
Nigeria
Kenya

Outcomes

Outcome 6: Protection at work for all
Outcome 3: Full and productive employment for just transitions
Outcome 2: Strong, representative and influential tripartite constituents and effective social dialogue