Road to independence: When a job brings more than a pay cheque

Across Southeast Asia, Grab's platform is providing opportunities for single mothers and people with disabilities to earn a livelihood, support their families and gain greater control over their lives. Ms Le Thi Lanh, a 42-year-old single mother from central Vietnam, struggled to care for her two children after leaving her abusive marriage.

She found solace in the flexible nature of Grab, allowing her to balance childcare with income. Similarly, Ms Rosianna Sormin, a 44-year-old single mother from Indonesia, initially found the job challenging but discovered the work's flexibility enabled her to manage her responsibilities. Both women's stories were featured in the documentary "Unbroken," highlighting the transformative power of employment for single mothers and people with disabilities.

In Indonesia, Ms Ros found a support network through her work as a Grab driver-partner, where she connected with other single mothers. This community has grown into a network offering encouragement to women navigating parenthood alone. Ms Maureen Hitipeuw, founder of Single Moms Indonesia, emphasized that financial independence is crucial for regaining confidence, particularly for women who have lost their husbands.

She noted that these women often have lost their sense of identity and still have children to care for, making them powerful and in need of encouragement.

PWDs in the region face significant barriers to employment, with up to six times higher unemployment rates than their non-disabled counterparts. Hiring bias and inaccessible workplaces contribute to these challenges. Mr Badrolshah, a 44-year-old disabled man in Malaysia, is challenging perceptions through his work as a Grab rider. Despite his dwarfism, he believes that "PWD" should stand for "people with determination," emphasizing that everyone can succeed with determination.

Ms Teong Siew Queen, vice-president of PPEOFM, a Malaysian association for disabled e-hailing drivers, stands as a testament to resilience. As a woman with polio, she has faced societal views on disability but remains determined to prove her worth. Mr Eko Saiful Nur Amin, a 32-year-old disabled Grab rider-partner in Indonesia, lost his right arm in a road accident but remains committed to overcoming obstacles. Community support has been vital in his journey, connecting him with employment opportunities and skills training.

Grab has partnered with NGOs like Single Moms Indonesia, KOTRI and PPEOFM to create inclusive and resilient communities in Southeast Asia. In 2024, over 189,000 women and PWD driver-partners earned income through Grab, marking a 40% year-on-year increase. The company's CEO, Anthony Tan, highlighted inclusion as central to Grab's long-term strategy, aiming to drive social impact while expanding their partner supply and strengthening their network.