Uber has launched Women Drivers in South Africa, a product designed to empower women through choice. The product allows female riders to select female drivers, responding to the growing demand for safer, more inclusive mobility options while reinforcing Uber’s commitment to innovation, empowerment, and trust in the local market.
The product draws on extensive testing in markets such as some cities in the USA and France, where it was adapted based on rider and driver behaviour. Uber has localised these insights to meet the specific needs of South African riders and drivers, where safety perceptions remain one of the most important factors in choosing mobility solutions.
Putting Safety and Empowerment First
This milestone for Uber South Africa prioritises women’s safety and economic empowerment, expanding opportunities on both sides of the app. Women riders gain greater choice and peace of mind when booking trips, 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 visible only to women riders and exclusively available for them. Even when accompanying women passengers, men will not be eligible to ride under this service.
- Driver Choice: When a trip is requested, female drivers have full visibility that the request has come through this product, allowing them to make informed choices about the trips they accept. During times of high demand, such as evenings, this gives them flexibility and confidence to take trips with women riders only.
- Trip Control: If a rider chooses to travel with another companion and the driver feels uncomfortable proceeding with the trip, she may decline. In such cases, the trip will be canceled automatically, and the rider will not be charged.
- Safety Foundation: The product is integrated with Uber’s existing suite of in-app safety features, including GPS tracking, Share My Trip, RideCheck, and 24/7 in-app emergency support for both rider and driver.
Rooted in Practical Empowerment
Women Drivers is grounded in user feedback, rooted in safety, and built for empowerment. By combining technology with local insights, Uber continues to reimagine mobility for 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,” concludes Deepesh Thomas. “We’re innovating not just with technology, but with solutions that respond to the real needs of our users.”
