Islamabad: The Coca-Cola Foundation and CARE Pakistan have concluded the Home Chefs Project, a two-year initiative aimed at empowering over 8,000 entrepreneurs in Pakistan, with nearly 7,200 being women. The project, which coincided with International Chefs Day, provided participants with training in culinary skills as well as financial management, digital marketing, and business planning.
According to The Coca-Cola Foundation, the project was implemented by CARE Pakistan with funding from the foundation. It aimed to aid both aspiring and existing home chefs in turning their culinary talents into sustainable businesses. Participants across eight cities, including Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad, received practical training in e-commerce and customer engagement, laying a foundation for successful food enterprises.
The initiative concluded with a ceremony in Lahore, which was attended by government officials, development partners, and industry stakeholders. The event highlighted the project's role in advancing women's economic empowerment by equipping them with essential skills and networks needed for business growth and sustainability.
Carlos Pagoaga, President of The Coca-Cola Foundation, emphasized the importance of supporting local entrepreneurs, particularly women, in creating sustainable livelihoods. Saman Rai, Secretary of the Women Development Department, Punjab, noted that initiatives like the Home Chefs Project provide women with the necessary environment to translate their skills into economic participation.
Participants like Maria Onaas, founder of Bake My Day, shared personal success stories at the event, illustrating how the project helped them manage their businesses more effectively. The event also featured a marketplace showcasing products from the home chefs, underscoring the initiative's impact on fostering creativity and innovation.
The Home Chefs Project exemplifies how targeted skill development and entrepreneurial support can lead to economic empowerment and financial independence for women across Pakistan.