KATHMANDU, March 9: Saksham, an initiative by Coca-Cola, is set to embark on its third year.

According to a statement issued by the company, this initiative is a catalyst for empowering women entrepreneurs in Nepal, and building on the successes of previous years, Saksham is poised to expand its reach and impact, furthering Coca-Cola's commitment to women's empowerment.

"Saksham is instrumental in not just amplifying the entrepreneurial skills among women entrepreneurs but also provides them with a boost of confidence and creates a network of like-minded women. As we embark for the third edition of Saksham, we are committed to creating a more inclusive business environment," the statement quotes Deepak Senthil Nath, Managing Director of Bottlers Nepal Ltd, as saying.

Saksham serves as a pivotal platform to enhance the capabilities of micro and small-scale women entrepreneurs. It creates a collaborative environment for knowledge sharing and problem-solving, nurturing a community of empowered women. Additionally, the initiative extends comprehensive assistance to women startups, highlighting Coca-Cola's dedication to supporting women throughout their entrepreneurial journey.

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

Similarly, Ritu Gurung KC, the founder of Atelier Platform, the Sustainability Partner for The Coca-Cola Company, Nepal, said, "Sustainability is at the core of our partnership with Coca-Cola for Saksham Third Edition. By empowering women entrepreneurs, we contribute to building a sustainable and equitable future."

Saksham Third Edition's primary objective is to be steadfast in its mission of empowering women in Nepal by providing comprehensive support, enhancing business skills, and cultivating an environment conducive to growth and innovation. The initiative will target 1000 women entrepreneurs, these women are part of the Coca-Cola value chain, consisting of 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 for 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 program. Saksham will focus on providing training centered 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 Private Limited.

 
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