In a male-dominated industry, female drivers face unique challenges. Women make up only around 3-21% of taxi drivers and 7-17.5% of delivery drivers worldwide, highlighting the gender imbalance in these sectors. Thankfully, rising industry initiatives and passenger preferences are driving positive change in the industry.
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Challenges for Female Drivers
Harassment
While all taxi drivers are exposed to certain risks on the job, those risks increase for female taxi drivers, with instances of being propositioned or even threatened while driving. While most of their rides are uneventful, having to deal with inappropriate behavior from male passengers can be stressful and make female drivers feel like they are in physical danger.
Delivery drivers can also experience uncomfortable situations, whether picking up a package at night or delivering something to an address in an isolated location. Drivers who use bicycles or other two-wheeled vehicles for work are even more exposed to physical dangers, with some reporting being harassed or stopped on the street.
Gender Bias
Both female delivery drivers and female taxi drivers can experience discrimination from their male counterparts. Some passengers may refuse rides or make unfair comments about the driver’s skills, while other drivers might make assumptions about their female colleagues’ driving abilities. This often leads to women overworking or taking on driving jobs that are less safe for them, just to prove the male drivers wrong.
Loneliness
Taxi driving and delivery driving are often lonely professions. While taxi drivers experience more social interaction, there are many idle moments, which can be especially difficult for women working night shifts. Feelings of vulnerability and the gender bias that comes with the profession often stop female drivers from seeking support. However, online communities and networking groups are emerging, providing a space for female drivers to connect and share experiences.
Safety Measures for Female Drivers
All drivers are advised to take measures to protect themselves on the job, but due to the increased risk, female drivers should take extra safety measures. Some companies offer live GPS tracking, which means the driver’s location is monitored, making it easier for them to be found in case of emergency. Many companies have also started including panic buttons in their fleet vehicles or mobile apps, allowing drivers to get in touch with their support center in an instant.
Cameras
Women drivers can take further safety measures by installing cameras inside their vehicles. Not only will the camera provide a recording in case an incident occurs, but it will also discourage passengers from behaving inappropriately.
Self-Defence Training
Drivers, particularly women who work alone, can benefit from taking self-defence classes. Not only can taking the classes increase the driver’s sense of confidence, but it can also add a layer of security to each of their rides.
Location Sharing with Friends and Family
Freelance women drivers and those who work for companies that don’t offer GPS tracking can increase their safety by sharing their location with trusted contacts. Knowing that someone always knows where they are while on the job can offer reassurance and added protection.
Advantages of Working as a Female Driver
Driving presents an important opportunity for women to join the workforce. Some of the advantages of working as a female driver include:
Flexibility
Women who may not have had the chance to work for some time due to family commitments or studies can take advantage of the flexibility offered by this line of work. Many taxi and delivery jobs allow drivers to choose their own working hours, making it easier for women to fit them around their existing schedule.
Financial Independence
Female drivers can earn a steady income while driving taxis or delivery vehicles. For those who have limited free time, working during high-demand times can help maximize their earnings. Some platforms make the job even more appealing by offering additional rewards for consistent work.
Diverse Work Options
For women who are considering driving as a means of income, there are a variety of jobs to choose from. Taxi driving, food delivery, courier services, or a combination of them are some of the options available to those entering the field.
Growing Opportunities
There is a growing demand for female drivers in both the taxi and delivery industries. This is due to factors such as:
Passenger Preferences
In taxis, many female passengers prefer to ride with female drivers, which makes them feel more comfortable and secure. Certain regions of the world even offer women-for-women taxi services.
Industry Initiatives
More and more initiatives are being launched to encourage women to become drivers. Some examples include the Females in The Fleet charter, which provides support, training, and encouragement to female drivers; She’s RHA, an initiative created by the Road Haulage Association to address the shortage of women in road transport; and Evri’s mentorship program, where female delivery drivers guide newcomers.
Benefits of Hiring Women Drivers
Companies that have started hiring more female drivers have noticed improvements in customer satisfaction and service quality. This is often attributed to women’s strong communication skills, attention to detail, and emphasis on safety, which enhance both customer experience and overall service reliability.
Looking Ahead
The broader demand for female delivery drivers and female taxi drivers indicates that both industries are working to enhance inclusivity and diversity in the workplace. With supportive policies, growing job opportunities, and increasing recognition of the value female drivers bring to the industry, the future looks promising. As more women enter these professions, they are not only carving out fulfilling careers for themselves but also paving the way for future generations of female drivers.