As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2026 under the theme “Give To Gain,” we are shining a light on the women who keep our communities moving. The theme highlights how the effort, time, and care that women give often lead to something incredibly meaningful in return, from financial independence to personal empowerment.
For Lalamove driver partner Stephanie, getting on the road started as a way to make use of her free time. Today, the 25-year-old has turned it into a masterclass in smart side-hustling and independence.
The Search for Flexibility
Stephanie’s journey with Lalamove as a Delivery Partner began right after she graduated from polytechnic. Fresh out of a long-term internship, she knew she didn't want to just sit around waiting for her next step.
"I signed up for Lalamove to earn some relaxing, no-commitment kind of part-time income," Stephanie shares. "What inspired me was the ease of the job. It's free and easy, and we can choose which locations we want to go to rather than having them assigned without the ability to reject them."
Today, Stephanie balances her deliveries with a demanding full-time career as a Technical Coordinator for a distribution company. Her strategy is one of total efficiency: she actively scopes out the app the night before or after work, hunting for deliveries that are directly on her commute between her office and home. By optimizing her daily route, she turns a standard ride into a way to cover her petrol fees and earn extra cash all without making major detours.
The Smart Hustle: What She Gives
Given her professional background in the distribution industry, Stephanie brings a high level of logistical care to her work on the road. Navigating a bike in Singapore requires serious dedication, and for Stephanie, the biggest thing she gives to her work is care.
"I definitely give care to the items I am delivering. Singapore roads can get super bumpy... I would check what kind of items I am delivering as there are many different varieties, not just restricted to food."
She also gives her time and empathy to her customers. Even when a customer hasn't paid for priority booking, if they need their items urgently, Stephanie tries her very best to assist them. While she is thankful to have faced no discrimination as a woman on the road, she acknowledges the physical challenges, such as lifting heavy items onto her bike. Her proudest moment remains a day she completed a high volume of jobs in a short span through smart, efficient routing.
Beyond the Extra Cash: What She Gains
When Stephanie gives her time, energy, and care, the returns go well beyond just financial gain.
Navigating the complex roads of areas like Farrer Park and Little India has turned her into a navigation expert. She has gained an intimate knowledge of Singapore’s streets, discovering the fastest, shortest routes across the island.
"Sometimes with these deliveries, I learn about a new hidden spot that I might never have traveled to in Singapore, and I find new food places to try out in my own free time!" .
But on a deeper level, she has gained a profound sense of independence. To Stephanie, empowerment is about having control over her own life and the confidence to manage her workload effectively whether she's at her desk as a Technical Coordinator or on her bike for Lalamove.
"Independence means taking responsibility for your life and the choices you make," she reflects. "It means not being reliant on others for your livelihood, and working as hard as you care to in order to achieve the lifestyle you want. Realise that you don't have to do it all on your own, but take comfort in knowing that you can."
The "Give To Gain" Spirit
Reflecting on this year's International Women's Day theme, Stephanie sees it as a universal truth. She believes we invest our time and money to gain knowledge, and we experience life's highs and lows to walk away with valuable lessons.
But when asked to narrow it down to one core belief, her answer is wonderfully simple:
"When I give kindness, I gain kindness"
A Message to Women Everywhere
As Stephanie continues to balance her career and carve out her own path, her message to other women this International Women's Day is a call for self-belief:
"Stand strong, be proud. Do not back down when people look at you and think you cannot do it because you are a woman. That is not true and we know we can do it. We are equal, or we are even stronger than what they think."
Happy International Women's Day from Lalamove!
Ready to steer your own success? Just like Stephanie, you can take control of your time, discover new corners of Singapore, and earn on your own terms.
