Uber’s claimed 'partnership' with UN Women denied by the rights group
Women’s rights group UN Women has denied it ever agreed a partnership with Uber to create one million job roles, despite the cab-sharing app rolling out a PR campaign earlier this month lauding its efforts to “advance gender equality.”
The company has faced claims of sexism in the past; currently only 14 per cent of Uber’s 160,000 US drivers are women. In addition, reports have surfaced of female passengers being attacked by drivers.
In an attempt to improve its image, Uber issued a press release alongside a short film on 10 March claiming it had forged a “long term” partnership with UN Women.
It quoted the rights group’s executive director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuk alongside Uber chief executive Travis Kalanick saying they would “work together around the world toward a shared vision of equality and women’s empowerment.”
However, speaking at an event during the UN's 59th session of the Commission on the Status of Women this week, Mlambo-Ngcuk said: “UN Women will not accept an offer to collaborate on job creation with Uber, so you can rest assured about that.”
UN Women later clarified its dealings with Uber, saying the company had simply sponsored an event for advancing women's rights.
"Uber has provided sponsorship for UN Women's event to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action: 'Planet 50-50 by 2030: Step It Up for Gender Equality,'" said a statement.
"Beyond this event, we have not discussed opportunities to engage with Uber, including in the context of their commitment to create one million jobs for women in the next five years. At this point, we do not plan to expand the collaboration.”
A statement from Uber on Mlambo-Ngcuk’s comments distanced itself from earlier claims. Instead it said the company was “seeking advice” from UN Women and “groups around the world” on the best way to achieve its goals.