What is Uber’s “Women Preferences” Initiative?
- Uber’s Women Preferences initiative allows female riders to request female drivers for safer rides.
- The program addresses rideshare sexual assault by giving women more control and peace of mind.
- The initiative has faced legal questions regarding potential gender discrimination.
- Availability can be limited, and riders may experience longer wait times in some areas.
- Seeking legal help is important for anyone injured or assaulted during a rideshare trip.
In 2026, Uber introduced a new feature designed to improve rideshare safety and comfort on its platform: the “Women Preferences” initiative, often referred to as “women drive women.” The program allows women riders and drivers to be matched with one another, giving users more control over their rideshare experience. Lyft has a similar offer, but this initiative is fairly new for Uber. While widely praised for its safety focus, the initiative has also sparked legal and public debate.
What Is the “Women Preferences” Feature?
Uber’s “Women Preferences” feature allows women to choose who they ride with by enabling gender-based matching within the app. With this feature, women riders can:
- Request a female driver on demand
- Reserve rides in advance with female drivers
- Set a default preference for women drivers in their app settings
- At the same time, women drivers can:
- Choose to only accept female passengers
- Toggle preferences on or off depending on availability and demand
The goal is simple: give women more choice, comfort, and control when using rideshare services.
When Did Uber Launch It?
Uber officially rolled out the feature nationwide in the United States in March 2026, after testing it in select cities in 2025. The concept itself isn’t brand new. Uber first introduced a version of the feature in 2019 in Saudi Arabia, and it has since expanded globally, facilitating hundreds of millions of trips. Today, the feature is available for drivers in 40+ countries and for riders in several countries, including the U.S.
Why Did Uber Create This Initiative?
Uber says the feature was created in direct response to feedback from women. Safety has long been a major concern in the rideshare industry, with reports of sexual harassment and assault making headlines across the country. According to Uber’s own safety reports and independent studies, thousands of riders have reported sexual misconduct by drivers each year, highlighting the urgent need for stronger safety measures. The “women drive women” initiative aims to reduce these risks by giving women riders and drivers more control over who they are matched with, helping them feel safer and more comfortable during trips. In addition, Uber hopes the feature will encourage more women to become drivers by offering a safer working environment, while also providing greater flexibility and peace of mind for riders.
“In response to the sexual assault cases, Uber unveiled a pilot program to match women drivers with women passengers. So that was something that they have done in other countries for a very long time and refused to do in the United States for years. So with the pressure of the first trial coming up, they announced it as a public relations effort just a few weeks before the start of the first trial.”
How Does It Work in Practice?
When booking a ride, eligible users will see a “Women Drivers” option in the app. If selected, Uber will try to match the rider with a nearby female driver. If wait times are longer, users can switch back to a standard ride. Matches are not guaranteed, due to driver availability This limitation exists because only about 20% of Uber drivers in the U.S. are women, which can impact availability depending on location.
Why Is the Initiative Controversial?
Despite its safety-focused intent, the initiative has raised legal concerns. Critics argue that it may discriminate based on gender, male drivers could lose ride opportunities, and that the policy may conflict with certain anti-discrimination laws. In fact, lawsuits have already been filed claiming the program unfairly limits opportunities for male drivers. Uber, on the other hand, argues that the feature serves a legitimate safety purpose, which may be a key factor in how courts evaluate the policy.
What This Means for Riders
For many women, the feature offers greater peace of mind during rides, a stronger sense of control over personal safety, and increased comfort, especially during late-night trips, though users may also experience longer wait times and limited availability in some areas.
Were You Harmed on an Uber or Lyft? Get Legal Assistance Now
Rideshare safety is more important than ever, and Uber’s Women Drive Women initiative represents a step toward giving female riders and drivers greater control and peace of mind. However, even with safety features in place, rideshare accidents and assaults can still occur. If you or a loved one have been injured or sexually assaulted during a rideshare trip, Cutter Law can provide you the legal help you need. We’ve secured compensation and justice for rideshare survivors all across the country. Contact us today or call 888-285-3333.
The Uber sexual assault litigation progresses with the first bellwether trial completed, and more trials scheduled as cases are moved to local courts for survivors to seek justice.
In California, Uber and Lyft drivers must meet licensing, vehicle, and insurance requirements, while Prop 22 classifies them as independent contractors, and victims can seek compensation for accidents or assaults.
Yes, you can sue for emotional distress in California, and compensation may include both economic and non-economic damages depending on the severity of your distress.