Pizza Delivery: Breaking Gender Barriers in an Often-Dangerous Industry
For many years, the pizza delivery industry was predominantly male-dominated. Personal stories from pioneers like Mary in Lawrence, Indiana, and others reveal the unique challenges and transformations this industry has undergone. As more women venture into delivery roles, the landscape is slowly but surely evolving.
Historical Context
Back in 1987, Mary started delivering pizzas independently in Lawrence, Indiana. Raised by her job, she fondly remembers the experience, even considering herself to be the first female delivery girl. Her story highlights the early challenges and changes in this industry. Dominos recognized her exceptional service and eagerly sought her to work for their stores, making her a pioneer in her own right.
Current Perspectives
Today, the pizza delivery industry offers flexibility, freedom, and decent pay, attracting individuals from diverse backgrounds. As someone who delivers pizzas, Anahita shares, “We can wear what we want and listen to music while driving. Most people are really nice. There are always a few rude customers, but others make up for it.” This certainly reflects the positive aspects of the job, although the challenges cannot be ignored.
Challenges and Safety Concerns
While the job offers flexibility, it also poses significant dangers, especially for women. Maria, another delivery driver, recounts her experiences with various forms of harassment and threats. For instance, she had to carry pepper spray and a knife, despite corporate prohibitions, because her manager trusted the area more. She mentions, “I worked in an area heavy with motels, and I would often be greeted by customers in varying states of undress.”
The safety concerns tend to heighten in areas with sketchy atmospheres. Maria emphasizes, “This got so bad that I had to start adding notes to a customer’s profile to indicate potential harassment or dangerous individuals.”
Her Stories and Anecdotes
Maria explains the types of harassment, from verbal propositions to physical advances. She provides real-life examples, such as one customer who refused to pay for the pizza he ordered, claiming the delivery person was inappropriate. Another instance highlights a customer’s request to be remade the pizza because "some whore touched it." Such conditions forced Maria to carry treats and she faced several instances of verbal and physical abuse.
Her experiences led to the establishment of protect schemes, like "NS XH St," where “NS” stands for Not Safe, and “XH” for Sexual Harassment. This system helped her counterparts, especially those facing racial or religious discrimination. Both drivers had to look out for each other as they navigated the seedy areas, highlighting the necessity for mutual support within the workforce.
Broader Implications
The stories from Maria and others underscore the need for comprehensive safety measures and industry standards. The industry seemingly thrives on late-night, quick deliveries, which can place women in potentially dangerous situations. The background of pizza delivery also reveals the societal pressure attached to the job, with many women viewing it as a rite of passage, rather than a viable career choice.
Maria concludes with her true stories of robberies and how such incidents can jeopardize both drivers and customers. Apart from the direct dangers, the fear of retaliation or unresolved legal issues adds another layer of complexity to the job.
These tales reflect the complex relationship between gender, safety, and job roles in the pizza delivery industry. While the job offers freedom and flexibility, it also exposes women to significant risks. The industry needs to address these issues to ensure the well-being of all delivery drivers.
Conclusion
The pizza delivery industry is evolving, breaking gender barriers, and addressing the safety challenges it faces. For women, particularly, it offers a unique blend of freedom and responsibility that may change perceptions and career paths. Understanding and addressing these issues will help create a safer and more inclusive environment in the industry.