Uber is partnering with domestic violence organisation WESNET to raise awareness of gender-based violence and provide free rides to women in need. As part of the internationally recognised 16 days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (25 November – 10 December), Uber and WESNET today launched the Share a Ride, Gift a Ride safety campaign. The campaign will see Uber will donate a free ride* to WESNET’s Uber Rides Program every time riders use the in-app Share My Ride safety feature. That way by simply sharing their ride, people will be able to enhance not only their own safety, but pay it forward by providing free rides to women and families leaving domestic violence situations.     

Share a Ride, Gift a Ride

Gender-based violence is incredibly prevalent in Australian society –  on average, a woman is killed every 9 days by her current or former partner in Australia. During the pandemic, we saw a surge in gender-based violence and sexual assaults, particularly against women. We invite users to use tech for good with us, so we can help WESNET members one ride at a time. 

During the 16 days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, Uber wishes to play a part in helping domestic and family violence victims find safe rides. Every time a rider chooses to share their trip status with a trusted contact during the campaign period, Uber will donate a free ride to WESNET’s Uber Rides Program to help a woman experiencing family or domestic violence.

Uber’s “Share My Ride” feature is designed to help riders share with their loved ones and trusted contact where they are, with trip details such as the driver partner’s name, license plate, make of vehicle, and live GPS tracking from start to finish. “Share My Ride” is part of the platform’s suite of safety features.

How to share a trip status:

  1. Request your ride. Tap to open the app and request a ride as you normally would. Once requested, swipe up on your app screen and tap Send Status.
  2. Share your status. Select up to 5 people from your contact list you want to share your status with.
  3. Be on your way. Those people will receive a text with a link containing your trip details. Opening it displays your driver’s first name and vehicle information, plus your map location in real time.

Driving Change: Uber x WESNET’s Rides program

WESNET is an organisation that represents a network of shelters, women’s refuges, safe houses and referral services across Australia. Uber is committed to using technology to help address the issues of gender-based violence, and has partnered with WESNET since 2019 to provide safe and reliable transport for approximately five ‘at risk’ women a day.

The WESNET Rides Program provides safe transport for domestic violence survivors when, for example, moving to and from shelters, attending important appointments and legal services throughout Australia. 

Karen Bentley, WESNET CEO says: “Both anecdotally and statistically we have seen how the pandemic has created a significant increase in reports of domestic abuse across Australia. In turn this has put many support services under strain.

“Since its inception, the Uber Rides Program has had an invaluable impact on our ability to get women out of hostile situations fast and to provide access to necessary support services.

“This ability to discreetly provide private transportation is critical in our function – whether it’s ensuring women can attend a legal or medical appointment or providing swift transport to a refuge or police station. We send our thanks to all those who choose to ‘Share their Ride’ during this campaign in aid of our cause.” 

Nicole Ashcroft, Head of Safety ANZ at Uber says: “Domestic violence is a significant social issue that impacts millions of Australians every year. Unfortunately, we know that the added stressors of the pandemic have amplified these issues.

“We pride ourselves on enabling our Riders to get from A to B safely and our partnership with WESNET is an example of this in action in the most extreme circumstances. 

“Over the campaign period, we encourage the millions of Australians that ride with the Uber app every day to use our technology to advocate for change. Beyond pledging donations for those using the Share My Ride feature, the app will also direct users to WESNET educational resources on the issue and support services offered in Australia.”