Vantage Foundation Partners with Grab Indonesia to Empower Women Driver-Partners

Empowering Women Through Partnerships: The Wiramudi Grab Initiative

In an inspiring move towards nurturing women's empowerment, the Vantage Foundation has teamed up with Grab Indonesia to support the Wiramudi Grab program. Launched in April 2024, this initiative focuses on helping women become driver-partners, providing them with the necessary resources and flexibility to balance work and family commitments. This collaboration marks a significant step in addressing barriers hindering women's participation in the workforce, particularly in Indonesia.

Addressing Key Challenges

Market research conducted by Grab Indonesia identified significant obstacles that women face in the workforce, particularly regarding access to capital and essential driving equipment. Approximately 50% of women expressed that these were critical barriers preventing them from joining ride-sharing platforms like Grab. To tackle these issues, the partnership offers financial support and necessary resources, enabling women to overcome these challenges and achieve financial independence.

According to Steven Xie, Executive Director of the Vantage Foundation, this collaboration not only equips women with the tools needed to succeed but also creates a ripple effect of positive change within communities. “We are proud to be part of a campaign that promotes progress without compromise,” he stated. Through the initiative, women can set their working hours, gain competitive income, and enjoy multiple benefits while being part of the Grab ecosystem.

Real-Life Impact and Inspiring Stories

The true impact of the Wiramudi Grab program resonates through the uplifting stories of women drivers. A single mother from Bali shared how daily rental of Grab electric bicycles has allowed her to focus on earning an income without worrying about hefty vehicle costs. Similarly, a driver from Makassar explained how her involvement with Grab provided essential support for her family following her husband's stroke. These experiences showcase the profound influence this program has on empowering women and strengthening their communities.

Comprehensive Support for Women Drivers

Grab's commitment to supporting women driver-partners extends beyond just financial assistance. The platform is engineered with various safety features, including a preference switch that allows female drivers to opt for women passengers. This ensures a comfortable working environment for women, reinforcing their safety while on the job. Additionally, Grab provides training, safety courses, and discounts on vehicle maintenance as part of their extensive support programs for women drivers.

Rivana Mezaya, the Director of Digital and Sustainability at Grab Indonesia, emphasized the significance of their mission in enhancing economic rights and opportunities, especially for marginalized communities such as women. “Through our partnership with the Vantage Foundation, we have been able to remove key barriers and provide women with capital to create income opportunities for themselves and their families. Together, we are building an inclusive community where women can thrive both at home and at work,” she added.

Future Endeavors and Accessibility

Currently available in 18 cities across Indonesia, the Wiramudi Grab program continues to expand its reach and increase the number of women driver-partners joining the platform. Since the partnership commenced in November 2024, over 1,000 new women have signed up, and existing drivers have benefited from additional capital, allowing them to get back behind the wheel.

For those interested in learning more about Grab and its initiatives, further information can be located on their website, as well as on Grab Indonesia's YouTube channel.

About Grab

Grab is the leading super app in Southeast Asia, operating in various sectors including delivery services, mobility, and digital financial services. With a presence in over 700 cities across eight countries, Grab enables millions to access essential services like food delivery, transport, and online payments through a single application. Founded in 2012, Grab aims to propel Southeast Asia forward by creating economic opportunities for everyone while addressing environmental challenges.

About Vantage Foundation

Established in 2023 at the McLaren Technology Centre in the UK, the Vantage Foundation is an independent charity dedicated to supporting philanthropic initiatives globally, including partnerships with various charitable organizations. For more information, visit Vantage Foundation.