Why Women Need Stronger Professional Networks in the Gig Economy

By Shanu Malkani, Co-founder, IndusGuru: The gig economy has created new avenues of work, with flexibility and autonomy that regular jobs often cannot provide. For women, particularly those with caregiving duties, it offers a viable alternative to rigid 9-to-5 jobs.

However, even with these benefits, women encounter unique challenges in the gig economy. Now more than ever, it is time to highlight the strength of professional networks in closing these gaps and empowering women in the gig economy.

Why Do Women Need More Powerful Networks?

Most well-paying and long-term work is won by professional networks, in which women continue to be underrepresented. Without equal levels of industry contacts, they struggle to gain access to elite circles where high-paying jobs are distributed.

Also, the lack of a formal workspace means that women working in the gig economy tend to not have community support. In contrast to traditional office spaces, where mentoring and peer interaction are naturally integrated, independent workers operate in isolation.

This makes it more difficult for women to move ahead in their careers, negotiating a fair pay, or being exposed to new possibilities.

Women in the gig economy also confront challenges in upskilling. Most training resources and skill building tools are mostly designed for regular employees, denying freelancers with limited access to ongoing learning opportunities and professional improvement.

Without this vital resource at hand, women might not be able to adapt to changing requirements of the industries.

How Stronger Networks Can Boost Women’s Success in the Gig Economy

1. Leverage Women-Centric Networking Groups

Professional organizations and online forums specific to women may offer mentorship, peer-to-peer learning, and access to projects. Women’s networking groups create a sense of community and establish a pipeline for opportunities that may otherwise be inaccessible.

2. Riding Gig Platforms for Visibility and Growth

Gig platforms are important for bringing independent professionals and clients together, making employment opportunities more accessible to women outside their immediate social networks.

On a flexible, project-by-project basis, platforms such as IndusGuru, Insight Alpha, and Flexing It provide access to a variety of consultants in fields like HR, Technology, Finance, Marketing, and Operations.

Through these thoughtfully crafted platforms, women can earn credibility, receive their expertise, & tap into a steady stream of projects that align with their skillset.

Additionally, by guaranteeing women-centric support, training materials, and equal pay policies, platforms that promote diversity and inclusion can help level the field.

3. Establishing Collaborative Workspaces

Co-working spaces and women-led business networks can act as a hub for knowledge sharing, financial literacy, and skill development.

These spaces not only offer a network system but also become arenas for collaboration and partnership.

4. Fostering Mentorship and Sponsorship

Women need not just mentors but sponsors – senior professionals who can advocate for them in leadership circles. Experienced gig workers and industry veterans can play a crucial role in helping women navigate pricing strategies, client negotiations, and career progression.

Let’s commit to strengthening professional networks for women in the gig workforce – because when women succeed, the entire economy thrives.

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