Grab Malaysia Expands #SisBoleh Programme To Empower Women Drivers & Delivery Partners
Grab has also introduced the 'Women Passengers Preferred BETA' feature.
By Laila Zain — 06 Mar 2024, 03:04 PM
Grab announced the expansion of its #SisBoleh programme yesterday, 5 March
The announcement was made in conjunction with Grab's International Women's Day celebrations that were organised in Johor Bahru, Kuantan, and the Klang Valley for its women driver- and delivery-partners.
#SisBoleh is a women empowerment programme introduced by Grab Malaysia last year. It aims to provide support and a peace of mind to women on the Grab platform as a driver- and delivery-partner, with a focus on safety. Moving forward, it will now include two new pillars — Onboarding & Training and Community.
Deputy Minister of Women, Family, and Community Development, Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Binti Ahmad (centre), and Petaling Jaya district police chief ACP, Tuan Shahrulnizam Ja’afar @ Ismail.
Image via Grab (Provided to SAYS)Gracing the celebration in Klang Valley were Deputy Minister of Women, Family, and Community Development, Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Binti Ahmad and Assistant Commissioner Police, Tuan Shahrulnizam bin Ja'afar @ Ismail, Ketua Polis Daerah Petaling Jaya.
"The #SisBoleh programme is commendable for its comprehensive support for women. By addressing safety concerns, building a nurturing community of strong and independent women, and breaking down barriers, Grab is setting an exemplary standard for what it means to truly be an inclusive platform that supports women's participation in the gig economy," said Noraini in her speech.
"As we continue accelerating progress for women, it is imperative to foster meaningful collaborations between the public and private sectors. It is through collective efforts we can drive positive change and advance gender equality and women's empowerment," she added.
Based on surveys and feedback from current Grab women partners, many were deterred from joining the platform due to a preconceived mindset that driving and deliveries are not suitable for women
Grab women driver-partners at the International Women’s Day celebration.
Image via Grab (Provided to SAYS)As such, the expanded programme is a commitment to improve gender equality and reduce barriers for women, enabling more women to earn on the Grab platform. The platform wants to equip them with the necessary skills and know-how so they can confidently earn and build a community of empowered womenfolk from the moment they join the platform.
Onboarding & Training
- Customised training sessions designed specifically for women, such as in-car safety training, managing difficult situations with passengers, and car maintenance.
- Training materials will also be made available via GrabAcademy (Grab partners' learning portal).
- Developing a Grab women partners-only online community to encourage women to mutually share and discuss topics more relevant to them.
- More frequent on-ground engagements geared towards women to network and build a stronger bond.
"Women make up slightly over half the population in Southeast Asia, yet only represent 24% in the workforce, and an even smaller percentage are driver- and delivery-partners," shared Adelene Foo, Managing Director of Grab Malaysia
From left: Adelene Foo, Managing Director of Grab Malaysia; Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad; and Assistant Commissioner ACP Tuan Shahrulnizam Ja'afar @ Ismail officiating the expansion of #SisBoleh.
Image via Grab (Provided to SAYS)"The growth rate of women on our platform from January 2021 to January 2024 has increased by almost 156%," said Foo.
"We see this as a great opportunity to build a truly inclusive platform and make women feel welcome. We hope the #SisBoleh programme can create more economically independent women, which is in line with Grab's mission to drive Southeast Asia forward by creating economic empowerment for everyone," she concluded.
She also encouraged women to participate in the programmes and share their opinions so they can co-create a platform that truly prioritises women.
Continuing the efforts to improve safety standards on the platform, Foo also shared that Grab has introduced the 'Women Passengers Preferred BETA' feature
The new feature, which was rolled out yesterday, 5 March, will increase the chances of women-drivers who have opted in to the feature to be matched with only women passengers, if there is one within the vicinity. To complement this, women passengers will be encouraged to update their details in their Grab App.
The feature is the latest in a series of safety tech innovations Grab has invested to keep users safe while on the road.
Another feature called Audio Protect, which was introduced last year, is gaining traction with seven out of 10 driver-partners and passengers opting in to the feature, especially at night.
Meanwhile, Tuan Shahrulnizam said the police remain committed to ensuring the safety and security of all individuals.
"Programmes like #SisBoleh and Grab's beta safety feature underscore the importance of women within each community in fostering a safer environment for everyone," he added.
Women officers from the Royal Malaysia Police also joined in the celebration.
Image via Grab (Provided to SAYS)