#CulturePH - Ka-panda BIZ' Women on Wheels initiative aims to foster women empowerment
foodpanda logistics is celebrating Women's Month by granting livelihood training and packages for women from their Ka-panda delivery fleet.
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The program, known as Ka-pandaBIZ: Women on Wheels (WoW), was formally introduced on International Women's Day. The recipients were chosen to receive business funding valued at Php 100,000 as well as training to launch their own small businesses.
Foodpanda Logistics Philippines' Rider Experience Lead, Ron Sanders, stressed the value of helping their delivery partners—especially the women Ka-pandas—achieve success and better living conditions.
Sanders stated that as of 2023, the number of women in the growing fleet of foodpanda logistics delivery partners has increased by thrice, demonstrating the real benefits of this approach.
"With Ka-pandaBIZ: WoW, we are not just celebrating women, we are actively working to enhance their productivity, income, and living standards," he remarked, highlighting the program's commitment to inclusive business practices and women's empowerment.
The beneficiaries will undergo online training sessions, mentoring, on-ground retail store visits, and catch-ups with mentors to be spearheaded by foodpanda logistics’ official partner organization, HAPINOY.
Hapinoy’s Mark Ruiz shared that this initiative will be anchored under their training and mentoring program, HapiSkwela, designed for sari-sari store owners. This program provides education, business tools, personal development training, and values formation. "Learning from all these aspects will serve as the foundation of their journey as happy, growth-oriented, and socially responsible microentrepreneurs," he explained.
Ruiz added that they are delighted to be chosen as a partner in this endeavor. “foodpanda logistics shares our commitment to upskilling and providing sustainable livelihood to these women."
Supporting livelihood for women as Ka-panda delivery partners
According to the November 2023 Labor Force Survey (LFS), there has been a decrease in the participation of women in the labor force this year, dropping from 57.8% to 55.4%. Factors such as family responsibilities, schooling, and age-related considerations have influenced this decline, resulting in a lower participation rate compared to men, which stands at 75%.
In response, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) has set a target under the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) to increase female labor force participation from 2023 to 2028 by creating more economic opportunities for women.
Acknowledging this disparity, Sanders emphasized the significance of offering equal opportunities for women to become part of their delivery fleet. "We extend a warm invitation to all women interested in working as delivery partners at foodpanda logistics, and we're fully committed to supporting and guiding them every step of the way," he affirmed.
Ka-pandaBIZ: a livelihood program for Ka-pandas
The Ka-pandaBIZ: WoW initiative is an integral component of foodpanda logistics' broader livelihood program, Ka-pandaBIZ, designed to empower delivery partners and their families through sustainable economic opportunities.
Three Ka-pandas have successfully graduated from the Ka-pandaBIZ program, receiving startup capital and comprehensive business training for their sari-sari stores. They graduated last year after an extensive training, where they acquired skills in various business management areas, including store setup, financial management, product marketing, and business expansion.
“Similiar to these Ka-pandas who have also undergone an extensive training curriculum, these women are poised to become thriving micro-entrepreneurs, and we hope they will also drive positive change within their communities,” Sanders said.
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