International Women’s Day 2024 Spotlight - Empowering Women in Male-dominated Industries: Leire’s Inspiring Journey as a Motorcycle Driver-partner
Every year on 8 March, the world unites to celebrate International Women's Day (IWD), a day dedicated to honouring the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. Beyond a celebration, IWD serves as a powerful call to action for accelerating gender equality and empowering women everywhere.
Since its inception in the early 20th century amidst the burgeoning industrialised world and societal turbulence, IWD has stood as a testament to women's resilience and their relentless pursuit of equality. The annual global observance of this occasion first took place on 19 March 1911, reflecting our collective commitment to fostering a more equitable world.
This year, under the theme Inspire Inclusion, we are reminded of the pivotal role inclusion plays in achieving gender equality. It highlights the necessity of embracing diversity and inclusion across all facets of society.
To mark this occasion, Lalamove sat down with driver-partner Leire to delve into her experiences and reflections on IWD.
What she loves about Lalamove
Leire's story with Lalamove began more than a year ago when she decided to leave her 9-6 job in the tech industry due to the constant stress and pressure that she faced daily. However, as dues and bills still needed to be paid, she started looking for a new source of income.
After doing some research, Leire decided to embark on a new adventure as a Lalamove driver-partner. This offered her unparalleled flexibility, enabling her to juggle multiple responsibilities - from ad-hoc caretaking and gardening to managing her household, all while securing an additional income through her deliveries.
Having full control over her delivery schedule with Lalamove allowed her to weave personal errands into her schedule seamlessly, transforming time spent on the road into an opportunity to efficiently manage her life. This empowerment to tailor work around her personal commitments, rather than the other way around, was not just liberating but deeply fulfilling.
Financial transparency is another aspect of Lalamove that Leire holds in high regard. With clear insights into her earnings, she navigates her daily life with a sense of security and control, ensuring that every cent is accounted for.
Beyond the logistics and income, Leire finds joy in the simple pleasures of the road, the rush of wind against her face, and the camaraderie among fellow motorcyclists. This sense of community was illustrated on a rainy day when a fellow rider reminded her to prioritise safety under slick conditions.
Such moments of solidarity underscore the essence of a community that transcends gender, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual care.
Being a woman in the male-dominated world of delivery
As a woman in the traditionally male-dominated field of delivery, Leire has never felt excluded by her fellow riders or the Lalamove community. In fact, she has been welcomed and included every step of the way. Her fellow motorcyclists look out for each other on the road regardless of gender, working together to keep the community safe.
She serves as a prominent example that in traditionally male-dominated industries, women are no less capable than men. Sharing her thoughts on this, Leire said with a sense of conviction "... it does not matter if you are a man or woman. As long as you are capable and can provide quality service, that is all that matters". She hopes her story can inspire other women to disprove misconceptions, pursue their dreams, and know that anything is possible through dedication and hard work.
Inspiring inclusion
In alignment with this year's IWD theme, Leire's narrative illustrates that empowering women means enabling them to excel based on their own merits, irrespective of gender. For Leire, the essence of this theme resonates deeply - it's about being a beacon of hope, seizing control, and forging a path that holds the most significance to her.
As the conversation with the Lalamove team unfolded, Leire delved into the actions that society can undertake to better foster inclusion for women. She passionately argued that at the heart of inclusion lies the challenge to dismantle prevalent stereotypes. This mission is intrinsically linked with the need for widespread education about the hurdles that women face, both within their immediate circles and the broader societal context.
She further emphasised that cultivating self-love and self-appreciation is fundamental in driving forward the agenda of inclusion and empowering others. It is only through a genuine acceptance of one's worth that we can inspire others to do the same, thereby nurturing a more inclusive environment for women across all spheres of society.
Self-love as the foundation
Before parting ways, we asked Leire whether she had any parting words of advice for women navigating the complexities of society. Her response was poignant, 'Learn to love yourself, and only then will you have the strength to overcome the challenges that come one after another.
Embracing self-love is not just a personal journey; it's a revolutionary act that paves the way for inclusion and empowerment, inspiring others to embark on similar paths. As we commemorate International Women's Day, let's hold fast to the principles of inclusion and empowerment, and strive to create a world where everyone, regardless of gender, is afforded equal opportunities to flourish.
