GENDER AND GIG WORK: LABOUR PROTECTION OF WOMEN DELIVERY WORKERS IN INDIA

As the gig economy has grown, India's job market has changed with flexible jobs being offered through digital platforms. Food delivery and e-commerce logistics are now important parts of the economy. These platforms offer employment opportunities but female delivery workers may have to face several challenges related to gender discrimination, safety at the workplace, irregular income, absence of social security, absence of basic facilities and challenge of balancing work and family responsibilities. The nature of platform-based work also raises questions about the legal status of gig workers and the degree to which they are covered by existing labour laws. The study is focused on the working conditions and labour protection of women delivering goods in India. It looks at barriers related to gender, safety, access to social welfare, awareness of employment rights and effectiveness of grievance procedures. The research employs a socio-legal methodology. Primary data were collected by means of a structured questionnaire, while secondary data were obtained from legislation, scholarly articles, reports and other relevant publications. This research aims primarily at identifying the gaps in existing safeguards and suggesting recommendations to improve the working environment, legal protection and social security of women delivery workers. It seeks to catalyze the development of a more inclusive and gender sensitive framework for platform work in India.