The digital gender gap is increasing globally with a negative impact on the economic and social development of countries. According to UN Women’s Gender Snapshot 2022, the exclusion of women in the tech world has cut around $1 trillion from the gross domestic product of low- and middle-income countries in the past decade.
In this context, and within the framework of International Women’s Day, the applications that facilitate mobility services, food delivery and financial services such as DiDi, are facilitating access to digital entrepreneurship for women, delivery drivers, drivers, restaurant and fleet companies, providing them with greater opportunities for economic independence, flexibility and personal development. The company recognizes that, although there is a way to go to reduce the digital gap in the country, women are increasingly using and maximizing the benefits that technology offers them to move towards a world with greater equality and opportunities.
The number of women in the DiDi ecosystem is increasing
Since its arrival in the country, the company has promoted programs to promote gender equality and encourage the presence of women in the digital economy. For example, since 2020, through the function that connects DiDi Mujer drivers and passengers, there have been more than 2 million trips. Another piece of information about the presence of women is that the 12% of historical trips made through the DiDi app have been made by female drivers.
At DiDi Food, the increase in women’s participation has been significant. In the last semester of 2022, the number of delivery women who used the application to offer their services increased by 46% and, on average, 5% of the total deliveries made through the DiDi Food app, since the app became available in Mexico, in 2019, have been made by women. At the corner of the restaurants, the 25% of the Dark Kitchens with which DiDi Food has a business relationship are owned by women; and 36% of all restaurants available on the app are run by women.
Regarding financial services, historically women come to have more difficulties than men to access financing. In 2021, only 47% of women in Mexico had access to financial services; and only 10% managed to materialize a company. These data have only improved by 0.8% in the last decade, according to the Inegi’s 2021 National Survey of Financial Inclusion. Understanding this context, DiDi Préstamos has granted, since its launch in 2021, 40% of loans to women with the aim that they can have an option to cover needs when required, in a simple, fast and accessible way.
Using apps to achieve greater economic independence
A high percentage of women use DiDi to achieve greater economic independence or a particular goal, such as finishing their studies, having profits for their family or boosting their businesses. In this regard, a driver can obtain monthly earnings of up to 23,000 pesos, depending on the number of trips made.
DiDi indicates that it will continue to develop strategies and create new opportunities seeking a greater inclusion of women in the digital economy to contribute to equity and inclusion in social, technological and economic terms.
Editorial Team The editorial team of EMPRENDEDOR.com, which for more than 27 years has worked to promote entrepreneurship.