This commentary explores how the platform economy shapes labour market responses during times of crisis, with a focus on gendered experiences. Drawing on cases of economic crisis, natural disasters, and refugee displacement, it examines how digital labour platforms offer flexible work opportunities while also reinforcing existing inequalities. Women face distinct constraints (such as caregiving responsibilities, limited mobility, and economic insecurity) that hinder their employment opportunities and earnings potential. These constraints are more pronounced during crises, when access to stable income and safe working conditions becomes more difficult. While platform work can serve as a lifeline, it is not a guaranteed solution, and its benefits are unevenly distributed. The commentary calls for gender-responsive policies and new research to understand how digital infrastructures mediate labour experiences across different crisis contexts. Such research can inform inclusive strategies that promote resilience and equity in platform-based work, particularly for marginalized and displaced populations.

翻译：本文探讨平台经济如何在危机时期塑造劳动力市场反应，重点关注性别化体验。通过分析经济危机、自然灾害和难民流离失所的案例，研究数字劳动平台如何提供灵活工作机会的同时，也强化了现有的不平等。女性面临独特的制约因素（如照护责任、行动受限和经济不安全），这些因素阻碍了她们的就业机会和收入潜力。在危机期间，当获得稳定收入和安全工作条件变得更加困难时，这些制约因素尤为突出。尽管平台工作可以充当生命线，但它并非可靠的解决方案，其益处分配不均。本文呼吁制定性别响应政策并开展新的研究，以理解数字基础设施如何在不同危机情境中介导劳动体验。此类研究可为促进平台劳动中的韧性与公平，特别是针对边缘化和流离失所群体的包容性策略提供参考。