Tough road ahead for female delivery riders

In the bustling streets of Lahore, a shift is underway in the food delivery industry. Traditionally dominated by male riders, a growing number of women are now taking up this role, challenging stereotypes and embracing opportunities in the workforce.

Muzammila Haji, a graduate residing in the Shimla Pahari area of Lahore, is one such trailblazer. Despite initial resistance from her family, she persevered and now balances her pursuit of higher education with part-time food delivery work for a well-known fast food chain. “My dad was very angry when he found out that I wanted to get a job in food delivery, but after a fee arguments, I convinced him. Now my family is proud of me,” shared a beaming Muzammila.

Similarly, Kashaf Nadeem from the Awan Town area juggles college during the day with evening shifts as a food delivery rider. Both Muzammila and Kashaf spoke of positive interactions with customers, which often resulted in praise and encouragement for their efforts.

A female food delivery driver poses for a picture. PHOTO: EXPRESS

A female food delivery driver poses for a picture. PHOTO: EXPRESS

A female food delivery driver poses for a picture. PHOTO: EXPRESS

A female food delivery driver poses for a picture. PHOTO: EXPRESS

A female food delivery driver poses for a picture. PHOTO: EXPRESS

While both recount instances of respectful treatment from customers, another female rider, who is associated with a leading food delivery company, anonymously revealed to the Express Tribune that encountering unwanted comments and advances was the dark side of the job. “One time a customer invited me into his home and when I declined, he offered me money,” the rider recalled with a visible look of disgust on her face.

Nazia Shafiq, another rider, voiced her discomfort at being subjected to stares and unwelcome attention at traffic signals, emphasising the need for societal change in attitudes towards women in public spaces.

Food delivery companies acknowledge these concerns and provide training to equip riders with skills to navigate diverse encounters. Umar Aziz, manager of a renowned fast food chain’s Gulberg branch, underscored the importance of this training in ensuring both customer satisfaction and rider safety. “We train our riders to face people with different attitudes and temperaments in the field. They are told how to talk to customers and how to keep themselves safe,” explained Umar, which as per him has resulted in never receiving any complaints from either the riders or customers.

Be that as it may, Rashida Qureshi, who advocates against gender discrimination, contextualised these shifts within broader societal changes. While progress has been made, she stressed the need for stricter enforcement of laws protecting women from harassment to further empower women in the workforce. “If the prevalent laws against workplace harassment and harassment in general are implemented in letter and spirit, even more women will join the workforce,” asserted Rashid while talking to the Express Tribune.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 2^nd, 2024.