Ride share firms in Guadalajara have launched new applications in a bid to attract more women drivers, as well as create safer spaces for them.
This week, Didi launched “Didi Mujer,” an app that allows female drivers to select only women as their passengers.
This follows Uber’s recent launch of “Ellas,” a similar application that, according to company representatives, gives female drivers the flexibility to choose whether to pick up only female passengers at different times of the day.
Data suggests that just three percent of drivers at Didi and Uber – Guadalajara’s main ride-share companies – are female.
Unease at growing gender violence in Mexico – and its perceived impunity – has led to various public demonstrations in major cities in recent years. Several held in Guadalajara, organized by activist groups, have resulted in arrests after some participants vandalized public property.