The on-demand economy has seen a significant shift in recent years, with more women taking the driver’s seat to gain flexibility, financial independence, and control over their schedules. A new report released by INSHUR, a commercial insurance provider for the on-demand economy, in partnership with Censuswide, surveyed 1,000 professional drivers working for on-demand platforms in the United States. The findings revealed that women, especially those under 34, are increasingly turning to on-demand driving as a means to carve out their own financial stability in a rapidly evolving work landscape.
Traditionally, research has focused on the barriers female-identifying drivers face in the gig economy. However, this report sheds light on a different reality—women are not just navigating the gig economy, they are redefining it. Women now make up nearly half of delivery drivers, utilizing on-demand work to gain more control over their time, earn supplemental income, or even build full-time careers outside traditional employment.
Flexibility, job satisfaction, and pay are key motivators for women participating in the gig economy. Many women drive part-time, balancing on-demand work with jobs in retail, healthcare, or education. The ability to change and control their own hours is a major draw, highlighting the growing role of on-demand work in today’s shifting economy.
The on-demand economy has become increasingly important, especially in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. With lockdowns forcing consumers to rely on delivery services for essential goods, the demand for on-demand services skyrocketed. Many individuals who lost their jobs turned to flexible work, fueling a shift towards gig-based employment. Women, Gen Z, Millennials, and underrepresented communities are at the forefront of this entrepreneurial shift, reshaping how we shop, dine, and commute while redefining self-employment in a digital-first world.
Surprisingly, Millennial women, particularly those ages 35-44, make up the largest share of female on-demand drivers, followed by women aged 25-34. Among Gen Z drivers, 65% identify as female, indicating a shift towards women in on-demand roles. This data challenges old assumptions about who typically does certain jobs and highlights the diversity within the on-demand workforce.
For many women, on-demand work is not just a side hustle but a financial necessity. The ability to earn supplemental income to cover home bills, rent, or mortgage payments is crucial for many female drivers. As the gig economy continues to evolve, women are finding financial independence, flexible hours, and the ability to set their own agendas—all on their terms.
The future of work is changing, and women are leading the charge towards flexibility, autonomy, and job security. As traditional employers struggle to retain talent, women are turning to the gig economy for stability and autonomy. It is essential for organizations and individuals to support this changing workforce by tipping gig workers, providing financial and business training, and advocating for policies that recognize and respect the contributions of gig workers in the economy.
In conclusion, women are not just adapting to the on-demand economy—they are shaping it. As work continues to evolve, it is clear that women are at the forefront of this entrepreneurial shift, reclaiming control over their careers and financial futures in a rapidly changing work landscape.
