India's internet chefs - 7th February 2020

The 'gig economy', getting paid for lots of separate small jobs, has arrived in India's homes.

Rashmi Sahjiwala, never thought she'd have a job, but now she's one of many housewives who are turning their homes into 'cloud kitchens'. The gig economy, aided by cheap mobile data, is expanding the opportunities available to women in India.

They use apps like Curryful, Homefoodi and Zomato to market their skills and cook meals from home. These meals are then sold to hungry young professionals who don't or won't cook themselves.

Traditionally, families in India haven't wanted women to go out to work. These apps help women overcome this resistance.

Rashmi Sahjiwala, 'cloud kitchen' chef: "It is good for women because India is a very conservative country and still people, the women, cannot go easily outside and work. So, this kind of platform gives them a chance to work at home, look after the family, look after her dreams, what she wants to do, and she can have her own, she can earn money with that."

Some of the companies which run the apps even offer training. The women learn how to run a business and create weekly menus. They also learn about buying supplies wholesale. Rashmi has increased her profits. She's now making around $200 a month, and these 'cloud kitchens' have great potential.