By Our Reporter
Coca-Cola Beverages Africa in Uganda has handed over coolers to women to enable them start retail businesses. This is part of a bigger Coca-Cola initiative called 5 by 20.
5 by 20 is the Coca-Cola Company’s global commitment to enable the economic empowerment of 5 Million Women entrepreneurs across the Company’s value chain by the year 2020.
“Women around the world are already pillars of our business system and are part of our Women Economic Empowerment Program. This time round, we are focusing on the retail stream of our business,” Maureen Kyomuhendo, CCBA’s Public Affairs and Communications Manager.
In Uganda, women usually face several challenges when doing business such as lack of basic business skills, lack of financial services / assets and lack of access to peer to peer networks and mentorship among others. It is these challenges that are being addressed through the 5 by 20 program.
“Through this initiative, we offer women access to business skills training, linkages to financial services and connections with peers and mentors, along with the confidence that comes with building a successful business.” Kyomuhendo added.
The event was graced by Dr. Margaret Ssekide, a renowned business woman who encouraged women to cultivate a savings culture and lauded them for embracing business.
“Gone are the days when men used to be the sole breadwinners. Women today should also bring additional value to the family,” she said.
Coca-Cola has already issued out 176 coolers this year alone, making it a total of 38,000 given out to date.
