As the world unites to celebrate this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD), a day dedicated to recognizing women’s achievements and advocating for gender equality, Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited (CCNL) has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering Nigerian women.
“We are a total beverage company, refreshing local economies and making a difference in their lives. This year, in line with the United Nations’ (UN) theme for the International Women’s Day: Invest In Women: Accelerate Progress, we celebrate the women across the Coca-Cola system-from our associates to women entrepreneurs in our entire value chain, who are running small businesses in local communities.
“We believe that supporting the success of women-owned businesses creates a ripple effect of positive results in local communities. For decades, Coca-Cola has distinguished itself as a champion for women’s economic empowerment and development. Through diverse and impactful initiatives, the company has driven positive change for Nigerian women, from fostering female leadership within its organization to equipping women entrepreneurs across its value chain,” the company stated.
It explained that women empowerment is deeply embedded in Coca-Cola’s core values, aspiring to a 50 percent female representation in its leadership by 2030. By nurturing female leadership talent internally and empowering women entrepreneurs externally, Coca-Cola continues to play a crucial role in driving sustainable and inclusive growth across Nigeria.
Recognizing the vital role women entrepreneurs play in the Nigerian economy, Coca-Cola has established a strong commitment to their success. Programmes like 5 by 20, Lady Mechanic Initiative, ENGINE, Catalyst for Change and EQUIP 60,000, among others are offering practical training and valuable resources, propelling women to launch and grow their businesses, leading to flourishing businesses, lifting families and empowering communities.
Beyond national initiatives, Coca-Cola through its philanthropic arm, The Coca-Cola Foundation funded the pan-African JAMII Femmes Initiative with Women in Africa (WIA). This ambitious programme aims to accelerate the growth of 14,000 women entrepreneurs across Nigeria, Kenya, and Ivory Coast.
A Nigerian agritech entrepreneur, Chioma Echegwesi, exemplifies the programme’s transformative impact. As a programme champion, she received a $10,000 grant, which she has transformed into a greenhouse creating employment opportunities, showcasing the programme’s far-reaching influence. Chioma’s story is just one of over 500,000 Nigerian women, who have passed through the Coca-Cola System empowerment initiatives in the last decade.
Speaking on the company’s dedication to women, Senior Director, Public Affairs, Communications & Sustainability at Coca-Cola Nigeria, Nwamaka Onyemelukwe, said: “As we celebrate this year’s IWD, we are reminded of the countless women strengthened by Coca-Cola Nigeria’s women empowerment initiatives.
“The Coca-Cola Company is for everyone. We invest to improve people’s lives, including providing jobs, creating economic opportunities for women and supporting communities in which we operate.”
Coca-Cola’s commitment extends beyond individual success stories. By equipping women with the right skills and resources, Coca-Cola empowers entire communities, upholding the maxim: When women succeed, their families thrive, leading to a more prosperous and sustainable society.
