Advancing Economic Opportunities for Indonesian Women with Grab and Vantage Foundation's #TradeForHope Initiative

In a significant stride towards economic empowerment, Vantage Markets and its philanthropic arm, Vantage Foundation, have launched the #TradeForHope initiative to support the Grab Indonesia women driver program. This collaboration aims to provide thousands of Indonesian women with the necessary resources to thrive in the on-demand transport sector.

Overview of the Initiative

Running from November 2024 to January 2025, the initiative successfully enrolled over 3,400 women across prominent Indonesian cities, including Jakarta, Bali, Medan, Bandung, Makassar, Semarang, and Yogyakarta. Among the participants, 1,400 were new drivers while 2,000 returned to the workforce. The program supplied them free driver kits, which included jackets and helmets, as well as financial incentives to encourage their ongoing engagement in the sector.

The #TradeForHope initiative demonstrated impressive outcomes: the ride-sharing activities of the women benefitting from this program increased by 13% compared to those who did not receive such support. Aside from the monetary assistance, the program significantly boosted participants’ self-esteem and independence while fostering community support.

Personal Stories of Empowerment

For many women, like Purwati, joining the Grab driving program was transformative. Purwati shared, "Becoming a driver for Grab has greatly helped me secure my income and acquire new skills. Additionally, I received fantastic benefits like uniforms, helmets, and even cosmetics! These small gestures mean a lot. Thank you so much for your support!" Her testimonial embodies the initiative's essence—beyond economic opportunities, it nurtures self-confidence and social empowerment.

Corporate Responsibility in Action

The Wiramudi Grab program showcases the potential of corporate responsibility and strategic partnerships in advancing economic inclusion. By breaking down barriers to entry, the initiative offers women a sustainable income while promoting greater gender diversity in Indonesia's ride-hailing industry.

Marc Despallieres, the CEO of Vantage Markets, emphasized the project's significance: "At Vantage Markets, we believe financial independence should be accessible to everyone. We are committed to supporting initiatives that create real and lasting impacts. Our partnership with Vantage Foundation and Grab Indonesia exemplifies the power of collective action that leads to meaningful change. By providing women with resources, training, and financial support, we not only help them secure stable incomes but also contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable future. We look forward to expanding this partnership and further supporting the communities in need."

Long-term Impact and Future Aspirations

The #TradeForHope campaign is part of Vantage's ongoing efforts to integrate corporate social responsibility into its operations. Through similar initiatives, Vantage is laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and sustainable future for the communities it serves.

Grab, a leading super app for delivery, mobility, and digital financial services in Southeast Asia, has been at the forefront of creating economic opportunities for all since its inception in 2012. Through its extensive presence in over 700 cities across eight Southeast Asian countries, Grab's mission aligns with the goals of the Wiramudi Grab program, aiming to create a positive social impact while achieving financial performance.

Conclusion

The partnership between Vantage Foundation, Grab Indonesia, and Vantage Markets is a pivotal example of how organizations can collaboratively uplift communities. By offering women drivers not only tools but also the moral support they need to succeed, this initiative exemplifies how corporate initiatives can lead to notable advancements in economic empowerment and gender equality.

To learn more about Vantage Foundation, visit www.vantage.foundation.