WOMEN’S PARTICIPATION AS ONLINE MOTORCYCLE TAXI DRIVERS: A STUDY ON GENDER EQUALITY IN INDONESIA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37231/apj.2025.8.SI1.814Abstract
This study investigates the participation of women as online motorcycle taxi drivers in Indonesia as a reflection of gender equality advancement in the gig economy. While the gig economy provides flexibility and earning opportunities, it poses structural, cultural, and safety challenges for female drivers. The research aims to analyze the motivations behind women joining this profession, their challenges, and the implications of their roles for intra-household dynamics and societal perceptions of gender roles. A qualitative research design was employed, utilizing in-depth interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), participant observations, and document analysis. Participants were 7 female drivers aged 18 and above with diverse educational backgrounds, selected through purposive and snowball sampling. Thematic analysis was conducted following systematic data coding, with triangulation enhancing the validity of the findings. Ethical considerations were strictly adhered to throughout the research process. The results reveal that time flexibility and economic necessity are the primary motivations for women entering this profession. Despite the benefits, such as income generation, increased bargaining power in families, and social empowerment, female drivers face multifaceted challenges. These include societal stigma, gender-based discrimination, safety concerns, and fluctuating earnings. Informal support networks among female drivers provide emotional strength, but institutional support remains limited. Their visibility has also contributed to reshaping public discourse on women’s roles in informal labour sectors. Women's online motorcycle taxi sector participation offers substantial potential for promoting gender equality by enabling economic independence and redefining traditional gender norms. However, realizing this potential requires multi-stakeholder interventions, including government regulation, platform-based safety protocols, skills training, and public awareness campaigns. Supporting women in this sector is a step toward individual empowerment and a strategic move to foster inclusive development in Indonesia's informal economy.
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