After the succesful launch of Uber Rickshaw service, its arch-rival Careem is now making its move by introducing women chauffeurs in Pakistan.
So far seven women have been appointed to join this new program, however, the applications are still open and company is expecting more people to join in. The news has received a positive response around the world and people are showing interest in it.
These female drivers will pick up both male and female customers. However, it is not clear if Careem will allow its customers to choose between female or male drivers.
Careem’s Pakistan General Manager Ahmed Usman said,
“We want to give women the same opportunities and the same chance that men have of leveraging our platform to generate healthy income”
Zahra Ali, 30, heard about Careem from a friend and thought it would be an ‘honourable’ way to support her two children, who she is raising alone since the death of her husband two years ago.
Zahra applied to Careem a few months ago, however, she was told there was no provision for women drivers. But then Careem called back with good news.
“The only skill I know is driving. Now I can raise my children honorably, I can give my children a good education.” – said Zahra.
Careem has a larger market share than rival Uber in most of the 32 cities in the Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan region in which it operates. In Pakistan, it is currently operating in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad and is looking to expand its services.
