In male-dominated areas such as e-hailing and delivery services, more and more women are entering these areas which reflects societal changes
by AZALEA AZUAR
MALAYSIA’S gig economy has remained hopeful with a steady growth in 2024.
A survey conducted by the Labour Force Survey Report for the third quarter of 2024 (3Q24) revealed that the number of own-account workers rose from 2.93 million in 1Q23 to 3.09 million in the quarter.
The upward trend in the increasing participation in the gig economy was driven by factors such lack of opportunities, stagnant wages and inflexible working arrangements.
At the same time, women have been contributing to the gig economy and playing significant roles in part-time jobs.
In male-dominated areas such as e-hailing and delivery services, more and more women are entering these areas which reflects societal changes.
Benefits of Gig Economy
According to a report from Universiti Malaya (UM) entitled: “Gig Workers Among Women, A Better Choice of Work? A Case Study of Makcik Travels”, women find it challenging to work once they are married and start a family.
InDrive South-East Asia communications manager Shaerine Iriwna Kaur stated that the flexibility of gig work attracts women as it allows them to balance family and personal responsibilities while maintaining financial independence.
E-hailing drivers, despite being predominantly male, are experiencing a significant increase in female participation, especially among those seeking alternative employment.
InDrive’s statistics revealed that women accounted for 21% of Malaysian riders in 1Q24 with a 53% increase in earnings.
“Many women turn to e-hailing after facing challenges in re-entering the workforce post-marriage or childbirth, finding that the ability to set their own schedules provides a viable path to income generation.
“This trend reflects a broader shift towards inclusive economic opportunities, where women are leveraging gig work to overcome structural barriers in traditional workplaces,” she told The Malaysian Reserve (TMR).
Shaerine said the platform offers these women a flexible working model, which allows them to manage both their family responsibilities while earning a living.
As the landscape of the gig economy evolves, the platform emphasises the need to support these groups.
Gender wage gaps have been a long-time issue in Malaysia. The 2023 Graduate Statistics report released by the Department of Statistics (DOSM) revealed that female graduates earn RM900 less on average than their male counterparts.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri addressed the immediate action to resolve the gender wage gap in Malaysia.
She believed that this should not occur given that both male and female graduates now possess equivalent academic qualifications.
“We need to voice out this issue because there should be no gap, especially when the qualifications of women are the same as those of men.
So, what is the difference?” she said after launching the logo and theme for the 2025 International Women’s Day celebration in March.
These gaps exist in the gig economy as well. Hence, inDrive has taken steps to ensure all drivers set their own fares and accept offers that align with their financial expectations. Some female drivers were able to earn daily income of between RM300 and RM500.
“This flexibility helps female drivers gain more control over their earnings, reducing structural barriers often seen in traditional employment,” Shaerine added.
Shaerine says InDrive’s platform ensures the safety of women drivers with real-time ride tracking, in-app SOS button for emergency assistance and driver verification
Prioritising Safety
A main concern among female drivers is safety. Industry trends suggest female drivers may reduce trips due to safety concerns, caregiving responsibilities and limited peak-hour driving opportunities.
InDrive’s platform ensures the safety of women drivers by equipping with real-time ride tracking, in-app SOS button for emergency assistance and driver verification.
Shaerine believes that these features have brought a peace of mind for women, especially when travelling alone or at night.
“Additionally, the increasing number of female drivers has contributed to a heightened sense of comfort and trust, as many women feel more at ease with female-led rides.
“Changing societal norms have also played a significant role, with more women joining the workforce, pursuing higher education, and participating in social activities,” she added.
Shaerine also noticed that the shift towards women-centric initiatives in e-hailing platforms has led to a surge in demand for flexible, secure mobility solutions, making inDrive popular among Malaysian women.
Apart from its safety features, the platform actively engages with their drivers and passengers to address safety concerns and continuously refine its protocols.
“By prioritising security and trust, we aim to create an environment where women feel confident, empowered and safe, when using inDrive.
“Encouraging more women to join the platform through tailored support and community-driven initiatives can help reduce income disparities and create a more inclusive gig economy,” she said.
While Malaysia has made progress in supporting female workforce participations through initiatives such as i-Sayang, Equality Act 2010 and the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 2022, Shaerine felt that more needs to be done for gig workers.
The Gig Workers Bill 2025 aims to enhance protections for workers, including 24-hour social security and mandatory contri- butions, while also promoting gender equity through maternity benefits and fair pay structures. “These initiatives would provide essential support for women balancing caregiving responsibilities while maintaining financial independence in the gig economy,” she said.
Industry-led initiatives, including incentives, training programmes and safety measures can create a more inclusive gig economy for women in Malaysia.
More Women in Logistics Industry
Logistics is another industry which has a male-dominated workforce. Data acquired from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) indicated that women make up only 24% of the global workforce in logistics.
However, the trend is increasing in Malaysia. Ninja Van Malaysia has revealed that its workforce now comprises over 28% women, a 13% rise from the previous year, highlighting the importance of fostering a diverse workforce.
Ninja Van Malaysia HR (human resource) director Rilla Amrullah shared that 5% of its delivery drivers are women, compared to 2.4% in 2019.
As the company values the important role of having female delivery drivers in last-mile logistics, it offers benefits such as flexible working arrangements, paid maternity leave and wellness programmes.
“We actively champion equal career opportunities, ensuring that female drivers have clear pathways for growth, leadership and long-term success in the logistics industry.
“Through training, mentorship programmes and leadership development initiatives, we empower women to break barriers and redefine what is possible in last-mile delivery,” she told TMR.
To boost more female workers in their team, Ninja Van actively participates in career fairs and maintains strong relationships with universities. This is to ensure that female job seekers are aware of the opportunities it offers in the logistics industry.
The Gig Workers Bill 2025 aims to enhance protections for workers, including 24-hour social security and mandatory contributions (pic: MUHD AMIN NAHARUL/TMR)
Overcoming Gender Stereotypes
Ninja Van driver Nurfarahain Mat Saman, 34, remembered a man who told her she did not belong in the industry due to her gender.
However, she never allowed those remarks to discourage her and believed that women can achieve anything when they put their minds to it.
Like most working women, one of the challenges that female delivery drivers face is balancing family responsibilities with work.
The tasks can be even more daunting as a single parent, but Ninja Van offers flexible working hours which enables her a work-life balance.
“I typically start my day around 9am and finish by 7pm, which allows me to plan my schedule effectively,” she told TMR.
Moreover, Nurfarahain shared that the company not only provided technical guidance but also emotional support which in turn, creates an atmosphere where workers feel valued and encouraged.
“Additionally, the role itself — navigating different terrains, interacting with customers and managing deliveries across various zones — keeps the job dynamic and fulfilling.
“It is this combination of independence and community support that makes the gig economy an attractive choice for more women,” she said.
Overcoming gender stereotypes remains a significant challenge, as demonstrated by Nurfarahain’s previous job where she carried heavy items like wardrobes.
“This was not just about the physical demand — it was about dispelling doubts and proving that if men can do it, women can too.
“Such experiences prove that our capabilities are defined not by gender, but by determination and skill,” she added.
Nurfarahain believed that if women were to flourish in the logistics industry, they would need to provide specialised training, inclusive work policies and robust support to empower them so they could reach their full potential.
The rising participation of women in traditionally male-dominated sectors, such as e-hailing and logistics, not only reflects shifting societal norms but also highlights the potential of a more inclusive workforce.
- This article first appeared in The Malaysian Reserve weekly print edition
The post Women steering the change in gig economy appeared first on The Malaysian Reserve.
