Celebrating Women's Empowerment: Irene Sicabalo and the Xpress Journey

Xpress proudly joins the global tribute to exceptional women with the theme #InspireInclusion. Once a male-dominated industry, ride-hailing is now increasingly popular among women, showcasing their strength and resilience.

Despite being a newcomer to the ride-hailing scene, Xpress has already earned the trust of women like Irene Sicabalo, who have turned to the platform for additional income. In 2019, Irene, then 35, ventured into logistics, starting as a food delivery rider. Eventually, she and her partner chose to become full-time riders, leaving behind traditional employment.

Becoming an Xpress Rider

A typical day for Irene begins with preparing her children for school and dropping them off. Her workday consists of taking bookings and usually wraps up by eight in the evening. Throughout the day, she seamlessly balances her responsibilities as a mother, ensuring she can transport and pick up her children from school.

Irene first learned about Xpress through social media. Intrigued by the opportunity, she decided to explore it further. "I was actively seeking additional ways to earn money to help cover our daily expenses," Irene shared.

Initially, Irene found riding a motorcycle challenging, as her previous experience involved delivering food and light items. "I've been diligently practicing with the goal of passing the Xpress driving skills assessment. By the grace of God, I passed and activated my Xpress driver account," she added. Motivated by the prospect of easing her family's financial burdens, Irene honed her motorcycle skills with the help of fellow riders.

Empowering Women in Ride-Hailing

The challenges of being a rider are well-known among those in the industry. Besides enduring the heat, riders often face tests of patience. However, Irene remained unfazed by these obstacles. Despite skepticism from her neighbors who questioned her abilities, Irene held firm in her belief: "If men can do it, then women can too!"

"I've always embraced challenges that pushed my limits. From practicing Karate and Taekwondo to proving that I could match the guys, I've always known I could do it," Irene asserted.

As more women join the ride-hailing field, Irene sees it as a positive sign of gender equality. Her message to fellow women is clear: "For ladies like me, we must face life's challenges head-on. This work is not defined by gender. The key is to love what we do and to keep faith."

Join Xpress Today

Xpress invites everyone, regardless of gender, to join our ride-hailing platform as drivers or riders. By applying now, you can achieve a more stable income for your family and embark on a journey toward a better future for yourself and your loved ones.

Download the Xpress Driver app today and learn more at www.xpress.ph