Burned Out, Broke, and Unheard: Canada’s Women Gig Workers Turn Struggle into Song

The hustle doesn’t stop — not even when it hurts.

Across Canada, women working in the gig economy are facing a perfect storm of burnout, financial strain, and invisibility. From rideshare drivers to digital creatives, countless women are holding down the grind with little recognition or support. But now, they’re flipping that pain into power — through music.

HeARTwork: Advancing Women in the Gig Economy is a new national movement that turns lived experience into art, advocacy, and action. At its centre is “Hear Me Out” — a fierce and emotional new single written and performed by Zakisha Brown, Dallas Rodin, and Rachelle Show, produced by Haviah Mighty, the Juno and Polaris Prize–winning powerhouse behind some of Canada’s boldest hip hop anthems.

The track — released today — is more than just music. It’s the first Canadian single born directly from national research and listening sessions with over 1,000 women and gender-diverse gig workers across the country.

🎧 Turning Lived Experience Into Lyrics

For the artists involved, “Hear Me Out” became a creative safe space to transform pain into purpose.

“I’m so grateful for such a beautiful experience, surrounded by equally beautiful and talented people,” says Rachelle Show. “It was truly a special collaboration.”

Dallas Rodin describes it as a moment of collective truth-telling:

“It was a privilege to listen deeply to the experiences of these women and tell their stories through music. I couldn’t have asked for a better group to create with.”

And Zakisha Brown sees the track as part of something much bigger:

“Co-creating this song with such dope, talented souls while speaking our truth felt like an empowering movement. It really feels like the time is now for change — and how powerful that we captured it in song.”

📊 The Reality Behind the Beat

The statistics behind “Hear Me Out” hit just as hard as the verses.

According to research by Conscious Economics, supported by the Ministry of Women & Gender Equality,

• 68% of women gig workers reported severe financial instability.
• Another 68% said they face chronic burnout and stress.
• 62% feel isolated or disconnected from mentorship networks.
• And 62% reported facing sexism or gender bias on the job.

Their testimonies cut deep:

“I feel helpless because of inflation.”
“Sometimes I have panic attacks from stress, but I can’t afford therapy.”
“It’s a tug of war between the financial comfort of a regular job and the passion of gig work.”

💡 From Song to Systemic Change

HeARTwork isn’t just about creating awareness — it’s about creating change. The project is backed by partnerships with GreenShield Canada, Music Canada, Women in Music Canada, the Indigenomics Institute, and the Canadian Women’s Foundation. Together, they’re pushing forward a series of initiatives that go far beyond the studio:

🎬 A short documentary (launching later this year) that follows the women and stories behind the song.
📖 A policy zine outlining 10 key recommendations for better equity, childcare access, pay transparency, and mental health supports.
📣 National advocacy events connecting gig workers, policymakers, and industry leaders to shape a fairer future.

“HeARTwork puts real stories at the centre of economic reform,” says Rhiannon Rosalind, CEO of Conscious Economics. “Hear Me Out isn’t just a song — it’s a call to action, asking Canadians to pause and really listen to the women holding up this country’s gig economy.”

🖤 A Movement That Sounds Like the Future

At its heart, HeARTwork is proof that art still holds the power to shift systems. It’s culture meeting policy — and rhythm meeting reform.

For the women at the mic and the countless others they represent, this isn’t just a campaign — it’s survival. It’s expression. It’s visibility. And it’s the sound of a generation refusing to stay silent any longer.

“Hear Me Out” is out now via ADA Canada, with the documentary and policy zine coming soon.

🎧 Listen to the track and join the movement at consciousEconomics.ca