Empowering Women Through the Grab Driver Program in Indonesia
In an impactful collaboration, Vantage Markets has teamed up with its philanthropic arm, Vantage Foundation, to support the Grab Indonesia Women Driver Program, known as
Wiramudi Grab Program. Launched under the initiative
#TradeforHope, this program has successfully empowered over
3,400 women across various Indonesian cities by providing essential resources and opportunities in the ride-hailing sector.
Objectives and Achievements
From
November 2024 to January 2025, the program aimed to enable women to create sustainable income sources in the ride-hailing industry. Remarkably, it successfully hired
1,400 new female drivers and revitalized
2,000 inactive ones in major cities like
Jakarta, Bali, Medan, Bandung, Makassar, Semarang, and
Yogyakarta. Participants benefited from receiving free driver kits, which included jackets, helmets, and financial incentives designed to encourage ongoing participation in the workforce.
Economic Impact
This initiative significantly increased the riders' earnings, showing a
13% rise in trips among participants compared to those who did not receive support. Beyond the tangible financial benefits, women involved in the program reported a newfound sense of confidence and community amidst this journey of independence.
For instance, Purwati shared her experiences, expressing that the program was more than just a job opportunity; it transformed her perceptions about herself and her capabilities. She stated,
“Becoming a Grab driver has helped me earn an income and acquire new skills. Additionally, I received great benefits like jackets, helmets, and even cosmetics! These small gestures mean a lot. Thank you for the support!”
Importance of Corporate Responsibility
The Wiramudi Grab Program underscores the crucial role that corporate responsibility plays in advocating for economic self-sufficiency and workforce inclusion. By lowering entry barriers, it has opened opportunities for thousands of women to earn sustainable incomes and has promoted greater gender diversity in Indonesia's ride-hailing sector.
Marc Despallieres, the Managing Director of Vantage Markets, emphasized the significance of such partnerships:
“At Vantage Markets, we believe financial independence should be accessible to everyone, and we are committed to initiatives that foster genuine, sustainable impact. Our partnership with Vantage Foundation and Grab Indonesia is a testament to the power of collective action to inspire meaningful change. By equipping women with resources, training, and financial support, we are not just helping them secure stable incomes but also fostering an inclusive and sustainable future. We look forward to expanding our partnership and continuing to support underprivileged communities.”
A Look into Grab
Founded in
2012, Grab is a leading superapp in Southeast Asia that operates across delivery, mobility, and digital financial services. Currently, it serves over
700 cities in eight Southeast Asian countries, including
Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and
Vietnam. Grab aims to create economic opportunities for all while reducing its ecological footprint and delivering a positive social impact to uplift millions across the region.
About Vantage Foundation
Established in 2023 at the
McLaren Technology Centre in the UK, Vantage Foundation is an independent non-profit organization that collaborates with charities globally, such as the iREDE Foundation in Nigeria and Teach For Malaysia. More details can be found on their
website.
Conclusion
As Vantage Markets and the Vantage Foundation drive initiatives like the Grab Women Driver Program, they pave the way for a more inclusive future that empowers women, promotes financial independence, and supports community welfare in Indonesia and beyond. Through these joint efforts, they demonstrate how corporate social responsibility can lead to positive change in society—a model for others to follow.