Women courier partners redefining the delivery sector

Bolt’s goal has always been clear: to make cities for people, not cars.

However, making cities truly people-centric is only possible by offering inclusive opportunities to everyone.

Although platforms like Bolt Food offer earning opportunities for many, a wider industry gender imbalance persists, spanning from underrepresentation to earning disparities.

A report by the Victorian government highlights the extent of this issue, with women in Australia earning up to 37% less than men.

At Bolt, we acknowledge this disparity and are committed to driving change. We’re taking proactive steps to empower more women to tap into such earning opportunities. 

We’ve invested €2.5 million to help more women make money with Bolt’s platforms.

We’re proud to say that women courier partners have been an integral part of the Bolt Food platform since the very beginning.

Delivery — a male-dominated industry? 

Delivery has long been seen as a predominantly male domain. Due to traditional gender roles, specific industries, such as delivery services, have been considered more appropriate for men.

According to Zippia, only 17.5% of delivery drivers in the United States are female, while 82.5% are male. 

Our internal research coincides with this trend, revealing that 93% of delivery couriers signed up to deliver with the Bolt Food platform are male.

However, with more women challenging these norms and companies stepping up to promote inclusivity, we hope this reality will soon change.

Yet, we believe that to reshape the narrative, we must first reshape perceptions.

Our commitment goes beyond equal access to earning opportunities. We give equal exposure to women courier partners. 

With case studies and advertising, we want to normalise the idea of women thriving in delivery. 

We want to show that such women deliver more than just food; they deliver a powerful message that no earning opportunity should be defined by gender.

Voices from Bolt Food partner couriers

Now, let’s dive into some first-hand stories and discover the journeys of a few women courier partners and see how they’re thriving.

Jaroslava from Czechia

Introduced to Bolt Food through a friend, Jaroslava found delivering food as the perfect blend of exercising and earning money.

“The main reason I signed up to deliver with the Bolt Food platform was the flexibility it offered. I can turn on the app whenever I want and deliver food as long as I prefer.”

Jaroslava completes her deliveries on a bike to get some exercise.

“Typically, I ride for 3 to 4 hours per day, completing around 12 to 16 deliveries without any issues.”

But for her, delivering on the Bolt Food platform isn’t just about income; it’s about helping others.

“It’s a great feeling to help people who may not be able to go shopping or cook for various reasons. I take pride in bringing food straight to their door.”

Jaroslava doesn’t just pedal through the city; she pedals through challenges in her own unique way.

“Keeping a friendly attitude and staying positive, even on tougher days — that’s always my mindset.”

Višnja from Croatia

Višnja adopts a flexible delivery approach, splitting her schedule into two parts for maximum convenience. 

She isn’t fixated on specific times of the day. She has discovered that opportunities to earn are plentiful throughout various periods.

Based on her experience, she shares what has been essential to help her in the delivery sphere.

“It is vital to have a good understanding of your delivery area. Being on time is highly important to customers, and ensuring successful deliveries is my top priority.”

Success, according to Višnja, depends on traits like diligence, politeness, and adaptability. 

“How you conduct yourself significantly impacts your performance whatever you do.”

Višnja finds joy in the heartwarming moments of delivering food, particularly those involving children and pets.

“Some of my favourite moments are when with kids eagerly awaiting their meals. Just yesterday, a little one rushed to the door, pointing at the food and saying, ‘Mine! It’s mine!”

Yet, it’s not only children who light up when Višnja arrives. 

“Dogs always dash to the door as soon as it’s open. Pets often get more excited about the food’s arrival than the customers themselves. That’s why they’re my favourite ‘clients’.”

Angela from Romania

Angela is a woman of remarkable courage who decided to sign up as a courier partner on the Bolt Food platform in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Angela saw an opportunity to become a courier partner on Bolt Food during the pandemic, which offered her flexibility and earning potential.

“I value the flexibility to shape my schedule.”

Angela delivers for around six hours a day; the remaining time she reserves for relaxation and her passion for painting.

Taking on deliveries with her bike, Angela’s enthusiasm is still strong even on colder days. As she says, Bolt Food gear keeps her warm.

Angela’s familiarity with her delivery routes ensures timely service. 

“I follow the app’s suggested routes and use my local knowledge to ensure timely deliveries.”

If you’re considering signing up to deliver on Bolt Food, Angela advises keeping an eye on app campaigns and setting your own pace, especially in the beginning.

Redefining norms

Jaroslava, Višnja, and Angela are inspiring examples of women making a difference in the food delivery industry.

Their stories once again highlight the importance of inclusivity and equal opportunities and remind us that determination knows no boundaries. 

We’d like to thank each Bolt Food partner courier and again underline our commitment to supporting those who are female. We aim to provide more opportunities for women to earn money with Bolt’s platforms.