Wednesday, 19 February 2014 10:47
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In September 2010, The Coca-Cola Company’s Chairman, Muhtar Kent, announced a 10-year global initiative to economically empower five million women entrepreneurs across the company’s value chain by 2020. Women around the world are already pillars of the Coca-Cola business system. Coca-Cola is building on that foundation by implementing programs to help women entrepreneurs throughout the Coca-Cola value chain – from fruit farmers to artisans.
Through 5by20 the most common barriers women face when trying to succeed in the marketplace are addressed. This initiative offers women access to business skills training courses, financial services and connections with peers or mentors – along with the confidence that comes with building a successful business.
Coca-Cola SABCO Sri Lanka is working towards empowering thousands of women as part of the global 5BY20 initiative. Coca-Cola SABCO (South Africa Bottling Company) is one of The Coca-Cola Company’s largest franchise bottlers having a footprint in more than nine countries across the world including Sri Lanka and Nepal in this region. The Coca-Cola SABCO Group is working towards empowering 200,000 women globally, as part of the five million target by 2020.
Coca-Cola Sri Lanka has engaged with over 2000 women since 2012 as part of the 5BY20 program in Sri Lanka.
Coca-Cola organised workshops and trainings to economically empower women and help them earn their own livelihoods in partnership with Women in Management and the support of the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and Child Development. These workshops educate women on building a successful business as an entrepreneur through a positive attitude, balancing priorities and learning managerial skills to run a profitable business. The workshops have been conducted in workshops in the districts of Trincomalee, Panama and Kabithigollewa. The shop opening today includes products made by entrepreneurs who have participated in Coca-Cola’s 5BY20 workshops.
The Coca-Cola and Women Headed Households Program won the Award of Appreciation at the Professional and Career Women’s Awards 2012/13.
Coca-Cola has also provided assets to female retailers who own or manage retail outlets, including Coca-Cola Coolers, glass deposits, outlet enhancing assets like shop name branding boards, racks etc. as well as Kiosks.
These interventions help increase the footfalls to the shop, thereby increasing the daily income for these women. They feel a sense of engagement and are empowered enough to manage their stocks, products and finances.
5BY20 is part of Coca-Cola’s strategy of long term sustainable growth not just for the company, but also helps make a positive difference in the lives of people in the Sri Lankan community.
