Coca-Cola launches 3rd edition of Saksham to empower women entrepreneurs

KATHMANDU: Saksham, a Coca-Cola initiative, is entering its third year. It empowers women entrepreneurs in Nepal and is set to expand its reach and impact, reinforcing Coca-Cola's commitment to women's empowerment.

Deepak Senthil Nath, Managing Director of Bottlers Nepal, expressed his enthusiasm for Saksham's third edition, stating, "Saksham not only enhances the entrepreneurial skills of women but also provides them with confidence and a network of like-minded individuals. As we begin the third edition of Saksham, we are committed to creating an inclusive business environment."

Saksham serves as a platform to enhance the capabilities of small-scale women entrepreneurs. It fosters a collaborative environment for knowledge sharing and problem-solving, nurturing a community of empowered women. The initiative also extends assistance to women startups, underscoring Coca-Cola's commitment to supporting women throughout their entrepreneurial journey.

Chandrika Kalia, Country Director for Coca-Cola in Nepal, emphasised the company's commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion, saying, "Saksham’s third edition will continue to create opportunities for women entrepreneurs. We believe this edition of Saksham will influence the entrepreneurial journey of women in Nepal. Having impacted over 2000 women across multiple provinces in Nepal, Saksham has demonstrated its effectiveness in driving change. The initiative's success lies in its commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive ecosystem for women entrepreneurs in Nepal."

Ritu Gurung KC, Founder of Atelier Platform, the Sustainability Partner for The Coca-Cola Company, Nepal, shared her thoughts, stating, "Sustainability is at the heart of our partnership with Coca-Cola for Saksham's third edition. By empowering women entrepreneurs, we contribute to building a sustainable and equitable future."

Saksham's primary objective is to empower women in Nepal by providing support, enhancing business skills, and cultivating a growth-friendly environment. The initiative will target 1000 women entrepreneurs who are part of the Coca-Cola value chain, including both established and emerging vendors selected by the Coca-Cola team in Nepal, as well as young women with startups or entrepreneurial potential, and women associates of Coca-Cola Nepal.

Operating across various provinces, including urban and rural areas with a focus on hilly regions and the western part of the country, Saksham aims to ensure accessibility to support and resources for women entrepreneurs from all regions. This series of activities will span nine months until the end of 2024. It will commence with a one-day panel discussion on March 9 on “Empowering women, Investing in Success” featuring diverse women from entrepreneurial backgrounds, followed by a series of training workshops for 1000 women spread over four months. This will be succeeded by a three-month accelerator and mentorship programme. Saksham will focus on providing training centred on leadership, hospitality management, digital marketing, financial literacy, SWOT analysis and building capacity for thousands of women, fostering improved socio-economic impact, and enhancing recognition and visibility for women associated with Coca-Cola Nepal.

The initiative is jointly implemented by Coca-Cola and Atelier Platform.