Do you think Uber's new ride-along feature empowers women?

As time progresses, we find that new technology can either hamper or improve access to innovative spaces and career options. Barriers to entry can occur in a number of ways that are not always overtly present. If a certain industry is dominated by a single gender or race, that level of cultural homogeneity has an innate and sometimes detrimental effect on those not necessarily part of the "in-group" or default.

Current unemployment stats are at the highest worldwide sitting at 34.5% and women make up more than half of that percentage. (34% of women unemployed as opposed to 31% of men) 

Because of this, women face additional barriers to entry that lead us to pose the question: "How can companies create working environments that foster inclusivity and create spaces that are both safe and welcoming?"

Ahead, we discuss how Homes of Distinction works to empower women within the real estate space and look to examples such as Uber's new ride-along feature to garner insight on the intricacies of implementing fair working practices. 

Female drivers are generally better within the ride-along space

Although on average, both male and female drivers are considered on a par in terms of skill descriptively. Perception is key.

Surveys from various ride along apps have shown that on average both men and women feel more comfortable with female drivers. This is because the perceived hallmarks of a good driver are how safely they drive.

This metric comes from another statistic that poses the question, who is more confident when driving? In general, men score higher here. But that is based on how they perceive themselves. More confident drivers (regardless of skill level), are generally associated with taking more risks whereas less confident drivers are more likely to drive safely and stick to regulations.

Uber's ride-along feature

We spoke about how technology has changed the way we function in society. However, we are still limited by the constraints of society and as such, companies need to envision more ways to ensure that these brand new spaces remain inclusive.

To mitigate against the obvious dangers female drivers face out on their own, Uber has recently launched the Women's Rider Preference function. Put simply, this feature allows women the choice to specify their preferred rider gender. This much-needed feature has been implemented in South Africa specifically due to the massive surge in gender-based violence countrywide.

Why is the Women's Rider Preference so important?

Despite the fact that many students are excited to make money by just driving from point A to B, parents and users of the app alike are becoming increasingly concerned about the dangers of late-night driving. As most women are constantly aware of these dangers, an option to specify gender preference creates an environment where they have more control.

Not only do women feel more empowered, but parents can rest a little easier with the knowledge that their daughter's driver list is curated and verified. When chatting to various female drivers on the road, they can confirm that they feel safer and more secure when they're in the car with another woman.

How it works

Existing female drivers now have the option to quickly and easily switch their driver or rider preferences in the app's settings. For riders, the app will notify them of the feature by requesting they specify their gender on the app.

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Homes of Distinction's modernised corporate structure

While we are definitely seeing a trend within the corporate space where more and more women feel as though they have access, the real estate industry is still a largely male-dominated sphere.

At Homes of Distinction, our female agents definitely outnumber our male agents at 6 to 1. This is not by design but the natural result of our approach to the industry and selling property. Our working environment is a motivating space that encourages all of our agents to work with and assist each other in the process of selling high-end property.

New agents are always encouraged to learn from experience and are mentored throughout their learning period. This is because we see each individual (men and women) as both a valuable asset and as, more importantly, a member of our family. Through this process of inclusivity, we help and encourage each other to be their best and to do extraordinary things.

The qualities of female agents

Within the real estate sphere, the more experience a woman accumulates, the more she starts to feel job satisfaction. This is due to the fact that women are generally more socially active and responsive.

On average, women are better at building and maintaining client relationships, connecting with them on an emotional level, and have a keen eye for the overall sense of design and how to properly showcase property. This, coupled with the fact that most home-buying decisions are made by wives means that women to women, a better understanding can quickly be achieved. 

All in all, we believe these skills make for the perfect Agent of Distinction.

To contact us, follow the link: https://www.homesofdistinction.co.za/

To contact one of our Real Estate Agents, follow the link: https://www.homesofdistinction.co.za/agents/