Uber Launches Women Drivers in South Africa
Uber has officially launched Women Drivers in South Africa, a service designed to empower women through choice. The product allows female riders to select female drivers, responding to growing demand for safer and more inclusive mobility options while reinforcing Uber’s commitment to innovation, empowerment, and trust in the local market.
Drawing on extensive testing in cities across the USA and France, Uber has adapted insights from rider and driver behavior to meet the specific needs of South African users. Safety perceptions remain a critical factor for riders when choosing mobility solutions, and Women Drivers addresses this directly.
Putting Safety and Empowerment First
This milestone for Uber South Africa prioritizes women’s safety and economic empowerment, creating opportunities for both riders and drivers. Female riders gain greater choice and peace of mind, while female drivers benefit from increased earning potential and the ability to connect with riders who prefer women behind the wheel.
“Safety is top of mind for many women when they travel. With Women Drivers, we’re giving them the power of choice – the option to select a female driver. It’s a simple update in the app, but one that delivers a significant boost in confidence, peace of mind, and control over how they move through their cities,”.
says Deepesh Thomas, General Manager, Uber Sub-Saharan Africa
How the Product Works
- Eligibility: The service is exclusively available for women riders. Male passengers are not eligible, even when accompanying women.
- Driver Choice: Female drivers can see when a request comes through Women Drivers, giving them the flexibility to accept trips with women riders only, especially during high-demand periods.
- Trip Control: If a rider brings a companion and the driver feels uncomfortable, she can decline the trip. The ride will be automatically canceled, and no charge will apply to the rider.
- Safety Foundation: The service integrates Uber’s existing safety features, including GPS tracking, Share My Trip, RideCheck, and 24/7 in-app emergency support.
Rooted in Practical Empowerment
Women Drivers is built on user feedback, emphasizing safety and empowerment. By combining technology with local insights, Uber continues to reimagine mobility in South Africa, making rides safer, more inclusive, and giving women greater control over their journeys.
“Women Drivers is part of how we’re thinking differently about mobility in South Africa. We’re innovating not just with technology, but with solutions that respond to the real needs of our users.”
concludes Deepesh Thomas
