There has been a significant increase in the number of female professionals opting for freelance opportunities. This trend can be attributed to the growing preference for remote work among women. Data from the gig platform Flexing It reveals that there has been a more than 300% surge in the number of female consultants in India who registered for freelance roles in FY24 compared to FY22. In the same duration, the number of men choosing white-collar gigs rose by 225%. Although men still account for two-thirds of the registrations in FY24, the faster growth rate for women indicates that the gender gap is narrowing.
Growing Desire for Agile Work Styles
Research shows that about 39% of women prefer part-time roles, indicating an increasing desire for agile and adaptable work styles. This trend is particularly important for women who are re-entering the workforce and seeking flexibility. It signifies a shift in the way women approach their careers and their need for work-life balance.
Progress towards Gender Equality in Freelance Workforce
The founder of Flexing It, Chandrika Pasricha, points out that in the United States, women have surpassed men in the freelance workforce, accounting for more than 52%. While India still has a long way to go, with close to 70% of consultants on Flexing It and other platforms being men, the rapid growth in women signups over the past two years indicates that progress is being made in narrowing the gender gap.
Freelance Talent as a Strategic Workforce Solution
In FY24, global organizations increasingly sought talent based in India for their quality skills, cost-effectiveness, and strong remote work practices in the post-pandemic era. Global Capability Centres (GCCs) turned to freelance platforms to find vetted consultants who could provide quicker turnarounds, agility, and easier financial management. Flexing It’s founder, Chandrika Pasricha, expects that freelance talent will play a crucial role in the workforce strategy of these global organizations as India continues to emerge as a leading destination for GCCs.
Sectors Driving Demand for Freelancers
The top five sectors that drove demand for freelancers in FY24 were:
- Fast-moving consumer goods and consumer (20%)
- Consulting (18%)
- Technology (13%)
- Development/impact (12%)
- Banking, financial services, and insurance (9%)
These sectors highlight the diverse range of industries that are seeking freelance talent to meet their business needs.
