‘Wow! A Woman Delivering Food!’ Is The Most Common Reaction I Get

By Harshika Pandya

The first day at work is always special. My journey as a delivery partner started with Zomato on July 27, 2018. I made my first delivery in the evening and still remember the smile on the customer’s face when I handed over the order. This is what motivates me to do my job. I always wanted to do something different in life and chose a profession that gave me enough opportunities to travel and meet new people. The Zomato delivery job has been a dream-come-true. I go out every day and get to meet  new people. The job is exciting. I was nervous at first, but my excitement knew no bounds.

Food delivery is a male-dominated profession. So, I had to prove myself. And I knew I was ready for it! People do get surprised when they find out that their “delivery boy” is actually not a boy. “WOW, a woman delivering food!” is the most common reaction I get. My customers and male colleagues call me brave for taking up this profession. It definitely boosts my morale and confidence. But it’s true that many women do not take up this profession.

Let me tell you, my experiences have been quite good. I have delivered orders at 2.30 am during Diwali and have always felt safe. Zomato takes care of my safety by constantly tracking my location.

We need to fight all the false assumptions everyone makes about this job and introduce them to the benefits. While doing this job, I feel like a bird, flying across the beautiful city of Surat. It feels even better as I get to know my city. I get to know new routes in and around the city.

A few months ago, I was supposed to deliver an ice cream. When I reached the address, there was no bell at the door. I called the customer who advised me to come inside and deliver as the door was already open. The moment I stepped in, a 3-year-old kid came rushing towards me, and started cheering “Zomato aa gaya, Zomato aa gaya!” It felt so good to see a little kid smiling because of us. I also have pictures of that moment. Food delivery has shaped my life in so many ways! Fitness is no more a concern as I am always on the go. Tracing new addresses has sharpened my mind.

Also, when I go to restaurants to pick up orders, people around look at me in awe! This gives me the power to work hard. This job has given me the opportunity to learn so many lessons. It has taught me how to calmly deal with different kinds of people. Delivering food during different times of the day has taught me to be courageous and confident. I remember people laughing behind my back for joining a profession dominated by men. But the more they mocked, the more I focused on my work and challenged myself to do better every single day. Today, I go to work with pride.

My customers have given me the name ‘Brave Girl’. Even the policemen I meet while delivery wave at me with a smile. Delivering food has helped me carve an identity for myself. I have gained respect, a stable income, and popularity. I could not have asked for anything more.

Harshika Pandya, 38, is a food delivery partner with Zomato in Surat, Gujarat.