Many women have overcome unbelievable odds and the support and guidance they received from the 5by20 programme has helped them find the strength, courage and the determination they need to find success. By empowering and inspiring women, the 5by20 programme gives them the motivation and confidence they need to succeed in their personal and professional lives.

Commenting on the 5by20 programme, Sulochana Segera, Chairperson, Women In Management (WIM) stated, “Many women who are making a living as entrepreneurs realize that they do not have the most requisite or relevant skills required for entrepreneurship. This is why some of them have chosen to join Coca-Cola’s 5by20 training programmes which offer skill building opportunities in the areas of entrepreneurship and retailing. Over a three-day programme, they acquire certain skills that help them approach their businesses better and achieve greater success.”

 Coca-Cola in partnership with WIM has conducted 5by20 programmes across the country in Trincomalee, Panama, Anuradhapura, Mullaitivu, Polonnaruwa, Batticaloa, Negombo, Kilinochchi and Colombo and over 800 have benefited from the programme to date.  Women are already pillars of the Coca-Cola business system and the 5by20 programme supports them as part of the Company’s long-term strategy for sustainable growth. The programme addresses the most common barriers women face when trying to succeed in the marketplace. This initiative offers women access to business skills, training courses, financial services and connections with peers and mentors - along with the confidence that comes with building a successful business.