Blooming Panda initiative encourages women to join gig economy

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 7 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's leading food delivery service foodpanda Malaysia has joined forces with the Urbanice Malaysia to introduce an initiative known as Blooming Panda to bring female walkers onboard as delivery partners and equip them with bicycles.

Its director of operations, Kelvin Chan said the initiative was an effort to alleviate the burden and challenge of women workers in the gig economy and to empower women in need.

“This initiative was introduced to further encourage women’s participation in the gig economy. From the onset of the (COVID-19) pandemic, women have borne a disproportionate share of burden and sacrifice. We have seen much grit and resilience in many women throughout these few years.

 “We recognise the demand for more flexible work and for women to be able to spend more of their time on what is important to them. We are committed to provide an avenue to help women break barriers in providing for their families and contributing to the economy,” he said in a statement today.

Chan said in an event held at the National Sustainable Development Goals Centre here this morning, that a total of 35 women in need were presented with the bicycles which were sponsored by Urbanice Malaysia.

He added that besides creating job opportunities and helping women thrive in the gig economy, this partnership (with Urbanice Malaysia) also aims to build a more sustainable community by promoting the use of zero-emission vehicles such as bicycles and e-scooters.

Meanwhile, Urbanice Malaysia chief executive officer Norliza Hashim said this collaboration helps in promoting urban sustainability and empowering women, as they (women) are crucial to the health and social development of families and the community.

“When women live secure and fulfilled lives, they are able to maximise their full potential, contributing their skills to the workforce and leading them to raise happier and healthier children.

“This could also lead to sustainable economic growth, and benefits communities, the nation and humanity as a whole,” she added.

Other partners involved in the initiative include the Selangor Zakat Board, which will be giving three months of zakat to the eligible asnaf participants, while Kiddocare an on-demand babysitting platform, will be sponsoring three months of home childcare for the delivery partners.

-- BERNAMA