India’s emphasis on its creative economy could level the playing field and deliver gender parity

A new term that entered the lexicon after India’s budget for 2026-27 was the ‘orange economy.’ Synonymous with the creative economy, it is emerging as a formidable engine of growth that transcends traditional industrial boundaries. Once viewed as niche, the intersection of culture, technology and intellectual property now accounts for roughly 3.1% of global GDP and 6.2% of all employment.For a country like India, where recent budgetary initiatives recognize the strategic value of creative assets, the growth of this sector offers more than just economic expansion.

It presents a data-driven pathway to greater gender parity and social inclusion. The creative economy is inherently decentralized and knowledge-based, which makes it one of the most accessible entry points for marginalized communities and women.

Unlike capital-intensive manufacturing or specialized technical sectors, creative industries rely on human capital and localized talent.Global data attests to this ‘creative advantage’: women make up almost half the workforce in cultural and creative industries worldwide, ranking the sector fourth globally in terms of female employment. In many developing countries, the gender gap is not only narrowing within the creative sector, but also reversing in some sub-sectors.

This trend is being helped along by targeted interventions in regions with demographic profiles similar to India’s. For instance, the ‘Drone Divas’ initiative in South Africa trained women in drone operation for creative fields like cinematography and architecture, bridging digital and gender gaps in a male-dominated technical space.