When the Sheroes program was launched in Sialkot by PepsiCo Pakistan, there were plenty of naysayers. The vision of a sales and distribution center staffed only by women seemed like a dream that would be impossible to actualize, but the Sheroes team made it happen. Now, two years later, the vigor and passion of this groundbreaking initiative for gender inclusivity and societal change is spearheading a transformative change in Sialkot, and has come to the heart of Punjab, in Lahore. The recent groundbreaking ceremony of the project in Lahore’s bustling Kot Lakhpat Industrial Estate was attended by notable civil society members and U.S. Consul General in Lahore Kristin Hawkins. It underscored PepsiCo's unwavering commitment to diversity, sustainability, and women's continued economic inclusion and empowerment.
Consul General Kristin K. Hawkins of the Lahore Consulate of the United States celebrating the graduation of Sheroes in Lahore
At the core of the Sheroes program is a profound commitment to challenging and dismantling age-old societal norms that have confined women to traditional professional roles. Sheroes is not just a job opportunity, it is a movement, an initiative that empowers women to venture into challenging but highly rewarding frontline roles.
Mohammad Khosa, Chief Executive Officer of PepsiCo Pakistan, underscored the pivotal role of diversity in driving innovation and success. "Diversity is not just an ideal; it's a driving force behind our commitment to innovation and success at PepsiCo.” He added, “The Sheroes program is a tangible reflection of our dedication to creating a workplace where everyone has equal opportunities, irrespective of gender."
Usman Asif, Director Sales at PepsiCo Pakistan, drove the agenda of launching Sheroes in Lahore. He said, “Launching Sheroes in Lahore is not just a milestone; it's a testament to our commitment to empowering women and fostering diversity. As Sales Director, I am thrilled to be part of a journey that transcends boundaries. In Lahore, Sheroes will be a movement that reinforces our dedication to a more inclusive and equitable future.”
The Sheroes program goes beyond traditional employment models. It represents a holistic approach to professional and personal empowerment. The women enrolled in the program undergo comprehensive training, not only in sales, distribution and snacks supply chain management but also in unconventional skills like riding bikes and scooters.
Adding an eco-friendly touch to the Sheroes program in Lahore is the use of electric scooters for daily tasks and market visit duties for order taking and stock checks. This aligns seamlessly with PepsiCo's broader PepsiCo Positive (pep+) agenda, specifically in the Positive Value Chain pillar where the company is ensuring enhanced environmental action to make the supply chain sustainable. In this way, Sheroes are navigating their professional journeys differently and contributing to a cleaner and greener Lahore.
Sana, a Sheroes program graduate in Lahore shared her heartfelt experience, "Being part of the Sheroes program has been nothing short of transformative. I have gained valuable skills for the job and learning to ride a scooter has changed the way I see women’s mobility. I am a mother and I believe my work with Sheroes will inspire my daughter in the future. It fills me with pride and a sense of purpose.” Her fellow graduates share her belief that their work will change society for the better for future generations.
Samina Afsar hosted the guests at the Sheroes Graduation Ceremony
Samina Afsar, Sales District Leader at PepsiCo Pakistan, championed the expansion of Sheroes in Lahore and is excited about the prospects the initiative creates for women while adding business value for the company. “PepsiCo Pakistan's Sheroes program stands as a microcosm of the company's wider Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) agenda. This commitment is manifested in the company's leadership, which boasts an impressive 50% diversity, and frontline roles that reflect a commendable 27% diversity. The Sheroes program has been supported by PepsiCo leadership since its conception and it is a testament to PepsiCo's continuous support of economic inclusion of women in innovative and pathbreaking ways.”
In the heart of Lahore, as in Sialkot, the Sheroes are redefining their professional trajectories and rewriting the narrative for women in the workforce. PepsiCo's commitment to empowerment, sustainability, and diversity echoes through initiatives like Sheroes, creating a ripple effect that promises a more inclusive and equal future for all.
Celebrating the spirit and zeal of our Sheroes with special guests