In the run-up to International Women's Day, Uber on Sunday celebrated the contributions of highly valued female driver-partners on its platform.
Hosting an event to celebrate these female drivers, Uber also highlighted its various incentives to attract more women to join its platform to earn a respectable living while starting their entrepreneurial journey, read a press release.
Nishat Majumdar, the first Bangladeshi woman to conquer Mount Everest, attended as guest of honour.
Two of Uber’s top female driver-partners, Leuza Akter Kristy and Rabeya Roji Akter, were also present as special guests.
Many female driver-partners present at the event shared their personal experiences, highlighting how they overcame societal biases to drive on the Uber platform and how it has transformed their lives.
Uber is committed to encouraging more female drivers on its platform and offers lucrative incentives to attract more of them on its platform.
As part of this, it provides a joining bonus to any female driver-partner who onboards the platform to drive a car or a bike.
Along with the joining bonus, a referral bonus is also provided when a male or a female driver-partner invites a female driver-partner to join the platform.
A referral bonus is paid to both the referrer and the referee.
Additionally, a weekly cash bonus is paid to ensure female driver-partners continue to earn a steady income.
Over and above these incentives, a dedicated 24/7 helpline for female driver-partners is also made available to ensure adequate hand-holding support for them.
Nishat Majumdar said: "Women around the world face biases and discrimination, regardless of what they do. I know from my personal experience that, whether deliberate or unconscious, these biases make it difficult for women to move ahead. Knowing that bias exists isn’t enough; action is needed to level the playing field. Being able to break free from the shackles and become a driver-partner is a proactive step towards breaking such biases."
Sharing her story, Leuza Akter Kristy, driver-partner, said: "I am proud of being one of Uber’s few female driver-partners. It feels even better when my riders, men, and women, appreciate my work, and I hope more women join the Uber platform to experience the flexibility and independence it provides. Today’s event has given me a stage to share my Uber journey with a room full of people who are equally accepting and encouraging of my work."
Reaffirming Uber’s deep commitment to empowering women, Md Ali Armanur Rahman, region head, East India and Bangladesh, Uber, said: "We are so proud of all the female driver-partners on our platform who continue to break multiple biases every day, with every ride they take. I feel so inspired today after listening to their stories. We are at their service and we hope to continually facilitate more such women drivers with meaningful earning opportunities, thus paving the path for their empowerment."