Female ride-hail drivers make inroads globally, reveals Bolt report
The number of women entering the ride-hailing sector is steadily increasing, thanks to targeted initiatives, say Bolt.
While female drivers remain a minority—making up less than 5% of the workforce globally—specific programmes are helping to address this imbalance.
According to Bolt’s ‘The Ride-Hailing Economy’ report, in markets such as Portugal, Croatia, and Thailand, the proportion of female drivers is higher than average, reflecting local efforts to create more inclusive opportunities.
Bolt has introduced several initiatives to support women in the industry. These include female driver forums designed to foster a sense of community and provide tailored advice. In some regions, Bolt has also implemented the Women for Women feature, which allows female passengers to request rides exclusively from female drivers. This feature is particularly popular in markets where cultural norms or safety concerns may otherwise discourage women from participating in ride-hailing.
The challenges facing female drivers are multifaceted. Safety concerns, societal expectations, and the historically male-dominated nature of the industry all play a role in limiting participation. However, platforms are making strides to address these issues. By creating safe and supportive environments, they aim to encourage more women to consider ride-hailing as a viable career option.
Beyond individual drivers, increasing female participation also benefits the industry as a whole. Diversity can help platforms better understand and cater to the needs of all passengers. Additionally, female drivers often bring unique perspectives that can enhance customer service and improve the overall experience for riders.
While there is still a long way to go, efforts to support female drivers are yielding results. With continued investment in programmes and policies that prioritise inclusion, the ride-hailing sector has the potential to become a more balanced and representative industry.
