The Gig Economy and Its Impact on Women in Iraq

The gig economy has significantly transformed Iraq’s labour market, creating new opportunities for women while also exposing persistent inequalities. This paper traces the experiences of Iraqi women in the gig economy, drawing on both individual and collective insights grounded in the authors’ work...

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Main Authors: Hawra Milani, Zahra Shah, Rikke Bjerg Jensen
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: McMaster University Library Press 2025-01-01
Series:Global Labour Journal
Online Access:https://mulpress.mcmaster.ca/globallabour/article/view/5883
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author Hawra Milani
Zahra Shah
Rikke Bjerg Jensen
author_facet Hawra Milani
Zahra Shah
Rikke Bjerg Jensen
author_sort Hawra Milani
collection DOAJ
description The gig economy has significantly transformed Iraq’s labour market, creating new opportunities for women while also exposing persistent inequalities. This paper traces the experiences of Iraqi women in the gig economy, drawing on both individual and collective insights grounded in the authors’ work in this context. These experiences reveal the dual nature of the gig economy: providing flexible work options while perpetuating vulnerabilities such as discrimination and economic insecurity. By situating our analysis within Iraq’s unique socio-economic conditions, including women’s low workforce engagement and infrastructural challenges, we contribute to a deeper understanding of the dynamics shaping women’s participation in this emerging labour market. The paper explores the types of gig work available to Iraqi women, alongside the structural barriers they face, such as limited digital infrastructure and inadequate legal protections. We conclude by highlighting actionable pathways for improving economic outcomes for women and fostering inclusive growth in the gig economy.
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institution Kabale University
issn 1918-6711
language English
publishDate 2025-01-01
publisher McMaster University Library Press
record_format Article
series Global Labour Journal
spelling doaj-art-20b2bf65d1454be0b6bec3ce06a6d3812025-02-01T14:00:03ZengMcMaster University Library PressGlobal Labour Journal1918-67112025-01-01161The Gig Economy and Its Impact on Women in IraqHawra Milani0Zahra Shah1Rikke Bjerg Jensen2Royal Holloway, University of LondonIraqi InnovatorsRoyal Holloway, University of LondonThe gig economy has significantly transformed Iraq’s labour market, creating new opportunities for women while also exposing persistent inequalities. This paper traces the experiences of Iraqi women in the gig economy, drawing on both individual and collective insights grounded in the authors’ work in this context. These experiences reveal the dual nature of the gig economy: providing flexible work options while perpetuating vulnerabilities such as discrimination and economic insecurity. By situating our analysis within Iraq’s unique socio-economic conditions, including women’s low workforce engagement and infrastructural challenges, we contribute to a deeper understanding of the dynamics shaping women’s participation in this emerging labour market. The paper explores the types of gig work available to Iraqi women, alongside the structural barriers they face, such as limited digital infrastructure and inadequate legal protections. We conclude by highlighting actionable pathways for improving economic outcomes for women and fostering inclusive growth in the gig economy. https://mulpress.mcmaster.ca/globallabour/article/view/5883
spellingShingle Hawra Milani
Zahra Shah
Rikke Bjerg Jensen
The Gig Economy and Its Impact on Women in Iraq
Global Labour Journal
title The Gig Economy and Its Impact on Women in Iraq
title_full The Gig Economy and Its Impact on Women in Iraq
title_fullStr The Gig Economy and Its Impact on Women in Iraq
title_full_unstemmed The Gig Economy and Its Impact on Women in Iraq
title_short The Gig Economy and Its Impact on Women in Iraq
title_sort gig economy and its impact on women in iraq
url https://mulpress.mcmaster.ca/globallabour/article/view/5883
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