Foodpanda Malaysia has joined forces with Urbanice Malaysia to introduce Blooming Panda – an initiative to onboard female walkers as delivery partners and equipping them with bicycles.
Foodpanda Malaysia operations director Kelvin Chan said the initiative was introduced to further encourage women participation in the gig-economy.
“From the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, women have borne a disproportionate share of burden and sacrifice. Through these few years, we have seen a lot of grit and resilience in many of them.
“We recognise the demand for more flexible work and for women to be able to spend more of their time on what’s important to them.
“We are committed to provide an avenue to help women break barriers in providing for their families and contribute to the economy,” he said.
In an event held at the National Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) centre, Kuala Lumpur on December 7, 2022, the bicycles which were sponsored by Urbanice, were presented to 35 women in need.
The female walkers have been previously identified and selected by Urbanice together with Women’s Aid Organisation.
“The Blooming Panda represents a new beginning for these women in need. We hope that this can provide them with a second chance for them to be more confident and have agency over their own economic empowerment.
“We are proud to be working with Urbanice through this programme in creating income opportunities and for those in need the most in a manner that is safe and sustainable,” added Chan.
Aside from creating job opportunities and helping women thrive in the gig economy, the partnership between foodpanda Malaysia and Urbanice Malaysia also aims to build a more sustainable community by promoting the use of zero-emission vehicles such as bicycles and e-scooters.
Urbanice Malaysia chief executive officer Norliza Hashim said the collaboration with foodpanda Malaysia helps in promoting urban sustainability and empowering women that is crucial to the health and social development of families and communities.
“When women live secure and fulfilled lives, they are able to maximise their full potential by contributing their skills to the workforce and leading them to raise happier and healthier children.
“This could also lead to sustainable economic growth which will benefit their communities, the nation and humanity as a whole,” she said.
Other sponsors and partners involved in the Blooming Panda initiative include the Selangor Zakat Board, which will be giving three months of zakat(tithe) to eligible asnaf (needy) participants; and Kiddocare, an on-demand babysitting platform, will be sponsoring three months of home childcare for the delivery partners.
