inDrive, Pro Mujer Launch Rideshare Program to Empower Women

US-based mobility platform inDrive and Pro Mujer have launched Viajes con Causa (“Trips with a Cause”), a social impact initiative that turns everyday mobility into a force for economic empowerment. Through this strategic partnership, every ride taken on the inDrive platform contributes to a fund that will support over 1,000 female entrepreneurs in Mexico throughout 2025 with training, resources, and mentorship via the Emprende Pro Mujer program.

“Empowering women means unlocking the incredible talent that already exists in our communities… Through this grassroots platform, we are delivering access to financial services, education, and entrepreneurial tools — supporting thousands of women who have the drive and dreams but just need the right opportunities to bring them to life,” says Mark Loughran, President, inDrive.

“At inDrive, we believe mobility can be a powerful driver of social change. With Viajes con Causa, every trip becomes an opportunity to empower women who are leading change in their communities,” says Rafael Garza, General Manager, inDrive Mexico.

In Mexico, female entrepreneurship is marked by persistent structural challenges. According to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, 65% of women entrepreneurs in the country live in poverty. Less than one-third of them have access to bank credit to invest in their businesses, according to the Mexican Institute for Competitiveness (IMCO). These obstacles hinder their ability to grow, innovate, and fully contribute to local economic development.

As of 4Q22, women made up 52% of Mexico’s population. Despite this, their participation in economic activities has remained relatively stagnant, increasing only slightly from 39.9% in 2008 to 41.3% in 2018, according to INEGI’s National Survey of Occupation and Employment (ENOEN).

Among working women in Mexico, 26% are entrepreneurs. However, most operate informally, which means they earn less and face greater barriers to scaling their businesses. IMCO highlights that informal entrepreneurship limits access to financial and digital tools, stifling growth potential.

The motivation behind female entrepreneurship often stems from necessity. Juana Ramírez, Chair of the Board, Mexican Association of Entrepreneurs (ASEM), says that 35.2% of women entrepreneurs started their businesses due to lack of employment and the urgent need for income.

Adding to these challenges is the digital divide. Many women entrepreneurs lack access to essential business management tools, such as administrative and sales software. This limitation is especially harmful, given that time constraints are among the top reasons women-led businesses fail. One in three businesses founded by women operates without any digital tools.

To help address these disparities, inDrive and Pro Mujer have formed a strategic alliance. Emprende Pro Mujer is a digital educational platform that, since 2021, has impacted more than 20,000 women across Latin America. The platform provides training in digital literacy, leadership, business management, personal development, finance, marketing, and sales — key areas to help women grow their businesses sustainably.

“This collaboration with inDrive allows us to expand our reach and offer comprehensive support to more women entrepreneurs. Together, we are paving the way for economic equity and sustainable community development,” says Carmen Correa, CEO, Pro Mujer.

The initiative will roll out in three strategic phases:

1. Laying the Foundation (May-June): Support for early-stage entrepreneurs in financial management and business strategy.

2. Building Stability (July-September): Structured planning and the introduction of digital tools to strengthen existing businesses.

3. Scaling Up (October-December): Assistance for more established entrepreneurs seeking to optimize operations and enhance long-term sustainability.

In addition to financial and educational support, the program includes mentorship from volunteer journalists and editors who will share professional insights to help sharpen the skills of participating women.