This study explores the demographics, motivations, and challenges faced by female ride-hailing drivers in Bacoor City, Cavite, through a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews. The ride-hailing industry has experienced significant growth worldwide, including in the Philippines, where platforms like Grab and Uber are widely used. Despite the expansion, the industry remains male-dominated, with limited participation from women drivers. This research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing female participation in ride-hailing, their experiences, and the unique challenges they encounter.
Data were collected from a sample of 226 female ride-hailing drivers through structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The quantitative analysis revealed key demographic characteristics, including age, education, and marital status, and provided insights into the work patterns and financial contributions of these women. Findings indicate that the primary motivations for joining the ride-hailing industry are financial independence, flexible working hours, and the opportunity to support their families.
However, the study also identified significant challenges that female drivers face. Safety concerns are paramount, with many women expressing fears about working late hours and encountering unsafe situations. Additionally, balancing work with household responsibilities poses a substantial challenge, often leading to high levels of stress and burnout. Discrimination and harassment from passengers and fellow drivers further complicate their professional experiences.
The qualitative data from interviews provided a deeper understanding of these challenges and highlighted the personal stories and resilience of female drivers. The thematic analysis revealed recurring themes of safety, work-life balance, and discrimination, offering detailed insights into the lived experiences of these women.
The study underscores the need for targeted interventions by ride-hailing companies and policymakers to address safety concerns, provide support for work-life balance, and combat discrimination. Recommendations include implementing comprehensive safety measures, offering flexible scheduling options, and creating regulations that encourage female participation in the industry.
The Demographics and Experiences of Female Ride-Hailing Drivers in Bacoor City, Cavite
Abstract
This study explores the demographics, motivations, and challenges faced by female ride-hailing drivers in Bacoor City, Cavite, through a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews. The ride-hailing industry has experienced significant growth worldwide, including in the Philippines, where platforms like Grab and Uber are widely used. Despite the expansion, the industry remains male-dominated, with limited participation from women drivers. This research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing female participation in ride-hailing, their experiences, and the unique challenges they encounter.
Data were collected from a sample of 226 female ride-hailing drivers through structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The quantitative analysis revealed key demographic characteristics, including age, education, and marital status, and provided insights into the work patterns and financial contributions of these women. Findings indicate that the primary motivations for joining the ride-hailing industry are financial independence, flexible working hours, and the opportunity to support their families.
However, the study also identified significant challenges that female drivers face. Safety concerns are paramount, with many women expressing fears about working late hours and encountering unsafe situations. Additionally, balancing work with household responsibilities poses a substantial challenge, often leading to high levels of stress and burnout. Discrimination and harassment from passengers and fellow drivers further complicate their professional experiences.
The qualitative data from interviews provided a deeper understanding of these challenges and highlighted the personal stories and resilience of female drivers. The thematic analysis revealed recurring themes of safety, work-life balance, and discrimination, offering detailed insights into the lived experiences of these women.
The study underscores the need for targeted interventions by ride-hailing companies and policymakers to address safety concerns, provide support for work-life balance, and combat discrimination. Recommendations include implementing comprehensive safety measures, offering flexible scheduling options, and creating regulations that encourage female participation in the industry. The findings contribute to the existing literature on gender dynamics in the ride-hailing industry and provide a foundation for future research aimed at promoting gender inclusivity and supporting female drivers.
Introduction
The ride-hailing industry has dramatically altered urban transportation, providing both drivers and passengers with unprecedented convenience and flexibility. In the Philippines, platforms such as Grab and Uber have established a significant presence, particularly in densely populated urban areas like Bacoor City, Cavite. However, despite the rapid growth and popularity of these services, there remains a notable gender disparity among drivers. Female participation in the ride-hailing workforce is significantly lower compared to their male counterparts, prompting a need to investigate the underlying reasons and obstacles.
This study aims to identify and analyze the number of female ride-hailing drivers in Bacoor City, their demographic characteristics, motivations for entering the industry, and the challenges they face. The ultimate goal is to provide data-driven insights to help create more inclusive policies and support mechanisms that encourage and sustain female participation in the ride-hailing sector.
Research from various countries has highlighted common challenges faced by female ride-hailing drivers. In the United States, for instance, women drivers often avoid working late hours due to safety concerns, which limits their earning potential and career progression (Jiang & Zhang, 2018). In Europe, balancing ride-hailing with household responsibilities is a significant challenge for women, often leading to higher levels of stress and job dissatisfaction (Smith, 2019).
In the Philippine context, while the ride-hailing industry is expanding rapidly, there is limited research focusing specifically on female drivers. Existing studies suggest that financial independence, flexible working hours, and the opportunity to earn supplemental income are primary motivators for women who choose to become ride-hailing drivers (Paz, 2020). However, these women also face considerable challenges. Safety is a predominant concern, especially given the high crime rates and safety issues in urban areas (Gonzales, 2021). Traditional gender roles in Filipino society mean that women often have to juggle work with extensive domestic responsibilities, leading to significant work-life balance issues. Additionally, discrimination and harassment from passengers and even fellow drivers are commonly reported, further complicating their professional lives (Rivera, 2022).
This literature review underscores the need for comprehensive research focused on the experiences of female ride-hailing drivers in Bacoor City. Such research can provide valuable insights into the specific socio-cultural and economic factors influencing their participation and experiences in this industry.
Review of Related Literature
Global Context of Female Ride-Hailing Drivers
Globally, the ride-hailing industry is predominantly male-driven, but there is a growing body of research exploring the participation of female drivers. Studies from various regions highlight common challenges such as safety concerns, work-life balance, and gender-based discrimination. For instance, research conducted in the United States shows that women drivers often avoid working late hours due to safety concerns, which limits their earning potential and career progression (Jiang & Zhang, 2018). Similarly, studies in Europe reveal that balancing ride-hailing with household responsibilities is a significant challenge for women, often leading to higher levels of stress and job dissatisfaction (Smith, 2019).
In the United States, female ride-hailing drivers comprise a small percentage of the overall driver population. They often cite flexible working hours and the ability to balance work with other responsibilities as key motivators for joining the industry. However, safety remains a critical issue. A study by Cook (2019) found that many female drivers choose to work during daylight hours to mitigate the risk of harassment and assault. This choice, while enhancing personal safety, restricts their potential earnings and availability during peak demand times, which typically occur during the evening and night.
Safety Concerns
Safety concerns are a predominant issue for female ride-hailing drivers worldwide. In addition to the physical risks, there are psychological impacts associated with the fear of potential violence or harassment. For example, a survey conducted by the International Transport Forum (ITF) (2020) reported that 68% of female drivers have experienced some form of harassment from passengers. This concern is echoed in multiple studies, indicating a pervasive issue that transcends geographical boundaries (International Transport Forum, 2020).
Work-Life Balance
Work-life balance is another significant challenge for female ride-hailing drivers. Unlike their male counterparts, women often bear a larger share of household and caregiving responsibilities. This dual burden can lead to high levels of stress and job dissatisfaction. In Europe, research by Smith (2019) highlights that female drivers frequently struggle to balance the demands of ride-hailing with family obligations. The study notes that many women resort to driving during off-peak hours, which allows them to fulfill their domestic duties but also limits their earning potential.
Gender-Based Discrimination
Gender-based discrimination is a persistent issue in the ride-hailing industry. Female drivers often face bias from passengers who may question their driving abilities or prefer male drivers. In the Philippines, Rivera (2022) found that female ride-hailing drivers frequently encounter discriminatory remarks and behaviors from passengers. This discrimination not only affects their job satisfaction but also their overall mental health and well-being. Furthermore, interactions with male colleagues can sometimes be strained, with reports of exclusion from informal networks that facilitate job-related support and information exchange (Rivera, 2022).
The Philippine Context
In the Philippine context, the ride-hailing industry is still in its nascent stages but is expanding rapidly. However, there is a paucity of research focusing specifically on female drivers within this sector. Existing studies suggest that financial independence, flexible working hours, and the opportunity to earn supplemental income are primary motivators for women who choose to become ride-hailing drivers (Paz, 2020). Nevertheless, these women also face considerable challenges. Safety is a predominant concern, especially given the high crime rates and safety issues in urban areas (Gonzales, 2021). Additionally, the traditional gender roles prevalent in Filipino society mean that women often have to juggle work with extensive domestic responsibilities, leading to significant work-life balance issues. Discrimination and harassment from passengers and even fellow drivers are commonly reported, further complicating their professional lives (Rivera, 2022).
Financial Independence and Flexibility
Financial independence is a critical motivator for many female ride-hailing drivers in the Philippines. Paz (2020) highlights that many women enter the ride-hailing industry to supplement their household income or support their families independently. The flexibility of ride-hailing allows them to work around their domestic schedules, making it an attractive option for those who need to balance work and family responsibilities. However, this flexibility often comes at the cost of reduced earnings, as women may not be able to work during peak hours or may have to take frequent breaks to attend to family needs.
Safety Concerns in the Philippine Context
Safety remains a significant issue for female ride-hailing drivers in the Philippines. Gonzales (2021) notes that the high crime rates in urban areas exacerbate the risks faced by female drivers. Many women report feeling unsafe, especially during late-night shifts. This concern is supported by statistics from local law enforcement agencies, which indicate a higher incidence of crimes against ride-hailing drivers compared to other professions. To mitigate these risks, some drivers have adopted safety measures such as avoiding certain areas at night or using ride-hailing apps that have built-in safety features.
Discrimination and Harassment
Discrimination and harassment are pervasive issues for female ride-hailing drivers in the Philippines. Rivera (2022) found that many women face verbal harassment and discriminatory behavior from passengers, which significantly affects their job satisfaction and mental health. Female drivers also report experiencing bias from male colleagues, who may question their driving abilities or exclude them from informal support networks. This discrimination extends to customer ratings, where female drivers often receive lower ratings compared to their male counterparts, impacting their overall earnings and job security.
Methodology
Research Design
This study adopts a descriptive research design employing a mixed-methods approach to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. The mixed-methods approach allows for a comprehensive analysis by integrating numerical data with detailed personal experiences, providing a holistic understanding of the subject matter (Creswell, 2014). This design is particularly suitable for exploring the multifaceted experiences of female ride-hailing drivers in Bacoor City, Cavite.
Target Population and Sampling
The researchers used a simple random sampling method for this study. According to Easton and McColl (n.d.), it is the basic sampling technique where it is selecting a group of sample from a population. These individuals were given an equal chance to be the respondents of the study. The researchers used a lottery method to choose a total population of 518 female ride-hailing riders in Bacoor City, Cavite. To determine the exact number of samples, the researchers used slovin’s formula with a confidence level of 95%.
Illustrations are not included in the reading sample
Data Collection Methods
Data collection involves two main methods: structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews.
1. Structured Questionnaires:The structured questionnaire is designed to collect quantitative data on various aspects such as demographic information (age, education, marital status, etc.), work-related details (hours worked, income generated, etc.), motivations for becoming ride-hailing drivers, and the challenges faced. The questionnaire is distributed through online platforms, driver associations, and social media groups. Online distribution ensures wider reach and convenience for respondents, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic (Wright, 2005).
2. Semi-Structured Interviews:Semi-structured interviews are conducted to gather in-depth qualitative insights into the personal experiences and perceptions of the drivers. This method allows for flexibility in questioning and enables respondents to elaborate on their answers, providing richer data (Kallio, Pietila, Johnson, & Kangasniemi, 2016). Interviews are conducted via phone or video calls to accommodate the schedules of the participants and ensure their comfort and safety.
Data Analysis
Quantitative data from the structured questionnaires are analyzed using statistical software such as SPSS or Excel. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations, are used to present the demographic characteristics, work-related details, motivations, and challenges of the respondents. This statistical analysis provides a clear and concise summary of the collected data (Pallant, 2016).
Qualitative data from the semi-structured interviews are subjected to thematic analysis. This method involves coding the data to identify common themes and patterns that emerge from the respondents' narratives (Braun & Clarke, 2006). Thematic analysis is a flexible and rigorous approach that facilitates the interpretation of complex qualitative data, allowing for a deeper understanding of the experiences and perceptions of female ride-hailing drivers.
Ethical Considerations
The study adheres to ethical guidelines to ensure the confidentiality and well-being of the participants. Informed consent is obtained from all respondents before they participate in the survey or interviews. Participants are assured of the confidentiality of their responses and are informed that they can withdraw from the study at any time without any consequences. The study also ensures that the data collected is stored securely and used solely for research purposes.
Limitations
The study acknowledges several limitations. The use of convenience sampling may introduce selection bias, limiting the generalizability of the findings. Additionally, the reliance on self-reported data may result in response biases. Despite these limitations, the study provides valuable insights into the experiences of female ride-hailing drivers in Bacoor City, which can inform future research and policy-making.
Results
The demographic profile of the respondents reveals a diverse group of women in terms of age, education, and socio-economic status. The majority of the respondents are between the ages of 25 and 45, with varying levels of educational attainment from high school graduates to those with college degrees. Most of these women are married with children, which influences their need for flexible working hours.
Out of the 226 female drivers surveyed, 60% (135 drivers) reported that their primary motivation for joining the ride-hailing industry was financial need. They cited the need for supplemental income to support their families as a driving factor. About 30% (68 drivers) mentioned the flexibility of work hours as their primary motivation, allowing them to balance work with domestic responsibilities. The remaining 10% (23 drivers) joined due to other reasons, such as lack of alternative employment opportunities or the desire for independent work.
Despite these motivations, the study uncovers several significant challenges faced by female drivers. Safety concerns are paramount, with 80% (181 drivers) expressing anxiety about working late hours and encountering potentially dangerous situations. The need to balance work with household duties also proves difficult for many, leading to high levels of stress and burnout. Approximately 70% (158 drivers) reported experiencing discrimination and harassment from passengers and fellow drivers, highlighting the need for better support systems within the industry.
Discussion
The findings of this study align with previous research on the global and national levels, underscoring common challenges faced by female ride-hailing drivers. However, the specific context of Bacoor City provides unique insights into the socio-cultural factors influencing these women's experiences. The results indicate a need for targeted interventions by ride-hailing companies and policymakers to address safety concerns, provide support for work-life balance, and combat discrimination. These measures can help create a more inclusive and supportive environment for female drivers, enhancing their participation in the industry.
The study also highlights the potential for ride-hailing companies to improve their services by addressing the concerns of female drivers. Implementing comprehensive safety measures, such as emergency response systems and safety training for drivers, can help alleviate some of the safety concerns. Additionally, providing flexible scheduling options and support for balancing work and family responsibilities can help reduce stress and improve job satisfaction among female drivers. Policymakers should consider creating regulations that encourage female participation in the industry and ensure strict enforcement of safety standards. Future research should expand to other regions and explore the long-term impacts of driving on the livelihoods and well-being of female ride-hailing drivers.
Conclusion
This study sheds light on the demographics, motivations, and challenges of female ride-hailing drivers in Bacoor City, Cavite. The findings highlight the significant barriers these women face, including safety issues, work-life balance, and discrimination. Addressing these challenges through targeted policies and support systems is crucial for promoting gender inclusivity in the ride-hailing industry. The study's limitations include its reliance on convenience sampling and the specific focus on Bacoor City, suggesting the need for broader research across different regions.
Recommendation
For ride-hailing companies, it is recommended to implement comprehensive safety measures, such as emergency response systems and safety training for drivers. Additionally, providing flexible scheduling options and support for balancing work and family responsibilities can help alleviate some of the stress faced by female drivers. Policymakers should consider creating regulations that encourage female participation in the industry and ensure strict enforcement of safety standards. Future research should expand to other regions and explore the long-term impacts of driving on the livelihoods and well-being of female ride-hailing drivers.
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- Anonymous,, 2023, The Demographics and Experiences of Female Ride-Hailing Drivers in Bacoor City, Cavite, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/1490506
