The aim of this paper is to weave together a range of literatures that operate at the intersection of gender, labour markets, service work, ICTs, and globalisation. In doing so, we ask whether women benefit from the changes associated with the feminisation of labour and the internationalisation of ICT-enabled service work, given the broader context of economic transformations. When discussing the global ICT-enabled service sector, we make reference to three illustrations – call centres, shared service centres and the ICT sector generally. Issues of gender inequality in the global labour market are queried, given an environment of a growing informal economy, the feminisation of work, and the domestic division of labour. We challenge the suggestion that changes in global capitalism, facilitated by ICT-enabled employment, offer new opportunities that benefit women and suggest a degree of caution is needed before assuming a reduction of gender inequalities. Finally, we outline a research agenda that incorporates the specificity of women’s working lives.

Keywords: gender, ICTs, labour markets, informal economy, service work