To celebrate Women’s History Month, we invited some of our women driver partners to a special mixer to celebrate the amazing things that can happen when women take the wheel.

According to a recent survey, at the end of last year 19 percent of drivers using the Uber app in the U.S. were women, compared to 14 percent a year ago. And last month, 21 percent of our active uberX driver-partners in the U.S. were women. But that doesn’t tell the whole story. Women are signing up to drive with Uber in greater numbers: 29 percent of new signups in the U.S. are female. In the past year alone, more than 230,000 women in America — and more than 130,000 women in China — have driven their first trip.

In Cincinnati, women like those you’ll meet below are partnering with Uber to pursue their dreams, accommodate their schedules, and build their communities. It’s about the opportunity to fit work around life, rather than the other way around.

#WHY(WE)DRIVE

What enticed you to start driving with Uber?20151107_132913~2~21
“My granddaughter used to call me for free rides all of the time. I eventually told her that I would start charging her for gas, and she thought I was bluffing until I told her I would sign up to drive with Uber. She said, “You can’t be an Uber driver, you’re a grandma!” Sure enough, I signed up and now, if she wants a ride, she has to request an Uber!”
– Serbennia, Ohio Partner

Why is Uber perfect for women?
“The flexibility of the schedule is the best! I am not a stay-at-home-mom, but it’s very flexible and I think many women need that to balance their personal lives and demands.”Kat
– Kat, Ohio Partner

What’s your favorite thing about driving?
“I’d have to say the passengers. I love talking with and meeting new people — and hearing confessions on Saturday morning pickups!”
– Kelly, Ohio Partner

As a woman driver, what’s your experience been with safety on the Uber platform?
“I’ve never felt threatened. Usually, when I show up and riders find out that I’m a female, they’re surprised. Uber keeps us safe! And if you don’t feel safe, you can stop the ride.”FullSizeRender-2
– Angela, Kentucky Partner

How has Uber impacted your day to day life as a student?
“I signed up to drive when I decided to go back to school to help cover expenses. I love getting to explore my city! I love the riders too.  Last weekend, I had the opportunity to pick up actors and actresses of the musical Motown while they were in town!”
– Alisha, Ohio Partner