Women deserve to feel safe — especially when they’re just trying to get home.

Getting home safely should never be a gamble — especially when you’re just trying to get back after a long day, a late night at work, or a night out with friends. For many women, getting into a rideshare alone, particularly after a few drinks or when you’re tired, can be a little unsettling.

It’s a thought that stays at the back of your mind — quietly lingering, especially if it’s late, you're under the influence, or you’re just plain exhausted. The feeling of unease when getting into a stranger’s car, checking the driver’s route, or mentally preparing just in case something goes wrong — it’s all too a little familiar for many of us.

As a young woman, I’ve been in that situation, wondering whether everything will be okay. It's not a constant worry, but it’s there — the thought of something potentially going wrong. I know I’m not alone in feeling this way.

This is a common experience for many women. We shouldn’t have to feel that sense of discomfort, especially when we’re just trying to get home safely.

Recent Uber safety reports from 2017 to 2020 show nearly 6,000 incidents of sexual assault in the U.S., including 464 reports of non-consensual sexual penetration. In Victoria, Australia, there were 23 reports of sexual assault or harassment by rideshare drivers in just one year, and a 2022 University of Melbourne study found that women individuals are more likely to face harassment during rideshare trips.

These statistics highlight a serious issue — while we use rideshare services for convenience, many of us still feel vulnerable in certain situations. It's time for rideshare companies to help address this.

That’s why I’m calling for Uber — and other rideshare platforms — to introduce a “Female Driver Only” option. This would allow women to request a female driver when they feel it’s necessary, especially during vulnerable moments like late nights, when they’re tired, or after consuming alcohol. Giving women this option would make it easier for us to feel more in control of our safety during these rides.

This isn’t about excluding anyone — if no female drivers are available, passengers could still opt to ride with a male driver. It’s about giving women the choice to feel more comfortable and secure when traveling alone.

Why This Matters:

• It reduces unease and risk: Having the option to choose a female driver can help ease any discomfort or concern women might feel when traveling alone, especially late at night or after drinking.
• It encourages more women to use rideshare services confidently: Knowing they have the option for a female driver can give women more peace of mind, allowing them to feel safer and more comfortable choosing rideshare services.
• It opens the door for more women to become drivers: More female drivers could create a more supportive and comfortable environment for everyone using rideshare platforms.
• It creates a safer, more inclusive experience: Offering this option shows that rideshare companies are taking steps to make their services safer and more respectful for everyone, especially women.

We all deserve to feel at ease during a simple trip home. Having the choice of a female driver shouldn’t be something we have to ask for — it should be a standard option that helps us feel safer, more comfortable, and in control.

A “Female Driver Only” option is a small but impactful step toward ensuring women have the option to feel secure, especially during those times when they might feel more vulnerable. It's not about fear, it’s about offering a solution that gives women the comfort and control they need in those moments.

Sign this petition if you believe rideshare companies should make safety a priority by offering a simple, effective option for women to feel safer when traveling alone.

Because every woman deserves to get home safe — no matter the time, place, or circumstance.