ADDRESSING HIGH UNEMPLOYMENT RATES FOR WOMEN IN PUNJAB, INDIA

In Punjab, current employment rates for women are historically low, hovering at around 14 percent, while overall rates for men are approximately 55 percent. Factors that contribute to this employment gap include restrictive cultural norms, limited and unsafe transportation options, and a lack of access to education and skills development for women. To address this gap, the team conducted multiple interviews with key stakeholders including nonprofits, policymakers, and potential customers. The team discovered a strong demand for more women rideshare drivers, as it makes women passengers feel safer. To bridge the gender and skills gap in the transportation industry, the team created DriveHer, a social enterprise that aims to train the next generation of women drivers and help them become economically independent. DriveHer also plans to connect women drivers with ridesharing companies to create a seamless pipeline of qualified drivers for the growing rideshare market in India, while also making ridesharing a safer transportation option for women.