Women-centered last-mile distribution models can improve business outcomes and empower women entrepreneurs by addressing barriers such as mobility, family support, and confidence. Successful programs ensure women have access to transport, peer networks, and gender-sensitive training, and they often recruit women who are trusted in their communities and supported by their families.
This article offers best practices for organizations working with last-mile agents. Practical strategies include offering flexible work arrangements, branding materials for credibility, safety protocols, and incentives like referral bonuses or non-financial household benefits. Ultimately, these models must go beyond boosting sales to measure real economic empowerment, including decision-making power and household agency.
