Grab Philippines, in partnership with the Philippine Commission on Women, held a “Lunch and Learn” safety training event today. On International Women’s Month, this event catered to Grab Philippines’ lady drivers, with only female media representatives gracing the occasion.

The training session focused primarily on women’s rights to a safe working environment through the Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313) or the “Bawal Bastos Law,” which covers gender-based sexual harassment (GBSH) committed in the workplace, other public spaces, and online.

The act provides an avenue for taking action against any targeted harassment, which may result in large monetary penalties and imprisonment as consequences if the accused is found guilty.

Statistics have shown a significant increase in reported cases within the last three years, proving that women are speaking up and availing of their rights.

An open forum was likewise held for female Grab drivers to share their inspiring stories about thriving in a male-dominated industry. Many applied for driver positions out of necessity during the pandemic, and since then, Grab’s female workforce has significantly grown in number.

Grab aims to empower these women further by ensuring their safety at all times when doing their rounds and picking up passengers. Reports filed against misogynistic remarks or rude behavior of passengers are taken very seriously and are urgently dealt with.

A “female passengers preferred” option on the app is available only for lady drivers, and CCTV cameras are installed in all Grab cars.

Grab’s thrust to ensure safety among their female workforce is an admirable leap forward. Empowering women and helping them to thrive within a male-dominated space is a great cause to get behind.

Everyone can take part in shaping a healthy atmosphere, and share in Grab’s commitment to promoting safe spaces for all.