They' say they're doing it for women's safety, which makes sense. On its face I agree with you that it should be global, to let everyone express their preference for whoever. Assuming men create most of the harassment/assault issues, though, it could be a bad idea to give those same men the ability to get a woman (or a man) delivered to their location at the push of a button. We could even see cases of that ability attracting unsavory types who would otherwise not even consider using Uber. I don't exactly put a lot of faith in them creating a culture of safety that would prevent it. I myself prefer not men as drivers, and would like the option, but I'm also not a fuckin' creep.