KUALA LUMPUR – The gig economy, embodied by platforms like Grab Malaysia, is reshaping the way women engage with the workforce by offering flexibility and independence.
For many women, particularly those balancing family responsibilities or pursuing personal ambitions, this flexibility provides a path to financial stability and greater self-determination.
The women from various backgrounds – whether single mothers, former corporate professionals, or entrepreneurs – are using Grab’s platform to support their families and pursue new opportunities.
The growing number of female drivers and delivery partners is a testament to this shift, showcasing how non-traditional work can bridge gaps that conventional employment may leave behind.
Nurdilla Zaini, a former publisher, found a lifeline in Grab after losing her job in 2018. Initially seen as a temporary solution, driving for Grab turned into a meaningful experience that extended beyond financial relief. It even inspired her to write Grab-Me-Lah!, a book chronicling her journey and encounters with passengers.
“In the beginning, the person who introduced me to Grab was my former employer after his publishing company shut down due to debts. He was the one who first introduced me to Grab, and I asked him for help. I’d been in writing and publishing since 2010, starting as an editor and becoming a manager in 2015.
“Joining Grab made me really happy because the flexible hours allowed me to do what I love. I’ve been earning more with Grab than in other jobs, and the payments are processed quickly.
“Working at Grab has also allowed me to continue pursuing my passion for writing. I’ve already started working on another book, which is based on the inspiring stories of my passengers. I’ve sold over 500 copies of Grab-Me-Lah! so far.
“The best part of being with Grab is how it has helped women increase their presence in the workforce. The flexibility is amazing, and there’s no stress like in traditional hourly jobs,” Nurdilla told Scoop.
For Noor Hamisah Mohamed Shaari, a mother of four, leaving a demanding corporate job for the flexibility of Grab meant more than just a career change – it was transformative.
“I was previously working at a corporate firm, where I had to be in the office from morning until night. Now, I’m more flexible, and I feel like the boss of my own work. I can allocate more time to my kids, take care of my household, and also pursue my passion as a fitness instructor.
“Fitness has always been a part of my life since I was young, and my life has completely changed. I can now focus on fitness and educate others about the importance of staying healthy.
“When I worked in my previous office job, I never had the chance to do what I loved. But thanks to the good money I earn from Grab, I was able to buy my dream car, a Toyota Rush.
“Most importantly, I can now provide for my kids. There was a time when I couldn’t even afford to buy my children a meal at McDonald’s, and that was painful for me as a mother. But since joining Grab, everything has changed,” Hamisah told Scoop.
Siti Norsakinah Nazir, a single mother of three, found a way to better support her child, who is on the autism spectrum, through her work as a Grab Food rider.
“The ability to set her own schedule has allowed her to care for her child while maintaining a steady income, even as she faced criticism for working in what many perceive as a ‘man’s job.’
“I’ve been a Grab rider for the past year, and I’m happy to be able to spend more time with my autistic child. Now, I can allocate time to care for him while working in the afternoon.
“When my child has a tantrum, I’m glad I can be there for him, something I couldn’t do before. The main challenge of being a rider is that it’s considered a ‘man’s job,’ and I’ve faced a lot of criticism from society. But I ignored all the negative comments and broke the stereotype by doing this job for my child.
“I’m thankful to Grab for giving me the opportunity. I’m ready to face whatever comes my way. There’s no such thing as women not being able to do what men do,” Siti told Scoop.
Initiatives like Grab’s #SisBoleh programme, launched in 2023, further support female drivers and delivery partners by providing safety training, community-building activities, and a space for networking and experience sharing.
These stories highlight how the platform’s flexible model is not just a source of income but a means for women to regain autonomy and integrate into the workforce on their own terms. – November 10, 2024
