How the public-private partnership gives rural women training, income and better nutrition
The Nestlé-BISP Rural Women Sales Program, rolled out in September 2025, links a major food company with Pakistan’s social safety net to create steady livelihoods in villages. Through sales training, supply discounts and local mentorship, the scheme helps women earn small but reliable incomes while increasing access to nutritious products in underserved areas.
A practical shift from one-time aid to micro-enterprise
Officials describe the program as a move from emergency cash toward micro-entrepreneurship. Registered BISP 8171 women become local Nestlé agents, selling dairy and nutrition items door-to-door or at markets. The model aims to convert short-term relief into ongoing financial independence by building skills and local customer networks.
Program objectives and core activities
The initiative focuses on economic empowerment, improved nutrition access, and business skills for women. Structured workshops teach product knowledge, customer service, pricing and basic bookkeeping. Mentors support ethical sales, inventory control and customer follow-up so trainees quickly become confident micro-business owners in their communities.
Training: classroom learning with hands-on practice
Workshops blend theory with field practice so women learn to present Nestlé products, calculate margins, and keep simple records. Financial literacy modules cover budgeting and reinvestment to help small profits grow. Practical coaching builds both competence and confidence, preparing participants to manage micro-enterprises responsibly.
How the model works — step-by-step
Registration & training: Women register with the program and attend short workshops.
Starter stock: Participants buy initial inventory at subsidised rates.
Sales & earnings: Products are sold locally; profits are collected immediately after each sale.
Mentorship & scale: Successful sellers train peers, expanding networks and income opportunities.
Example income (realistic projection)
Small profits add up quickly when sales volume is steady. The table below shows a typical example:
| Monthly Sales (PKR) | Typical Net Profit (PKR) | Notes |
| 20,000 | 3,000–5,000 | Net profit after buying at discounted price and local resale |
A net gain of a few thousand rupees meaningfully improves household budgets for food, school fees and health needs.
Community impact beyond cash
The program improves local food security by making fortified milk, cereals and nutrition products widely available. As women earn and spend locally, households prioritise essentials, children’s nutrition and education. Social recognition rises as women gain income and decision-making power in the family.
Common challenges and how partners respond
Transport costs, conservative norms and limited digital access constrain scale. Nestlé and BISP address these with transport stipends, community sales hubs and female mentors. Planned micro-credit pilots and smartphone training aim to reduce costs and widen market reach for sellers.
Plans for scale and sustainability
Authorities plan to expand the model into more districts, add e-commerce channels and link participants to urban distribution. Success will be measured by repeat sales, household income growth and the number of women who graduate from trainee to trainer—creating a multiplier effect across villages.
How to apply or get more information
Women interested in joining should contact their local BISP tehsil office or a Nestlé field representative to register. Registration typically includes a short training session, identity verification and a starter pack. Local NGOs and women’s groups often host information sessions to ensure transparent and fair selection.
Final thought
The Nestlé-BISP Rural Women Sales Program combines corporate supply chains with community trust to create sustainable livelihoods. By teaching sales, bookkeeping and nutrition awareness, it offers rural women a dignified route out of poverty and strengthens local diets—marking a promising step toward lasting economic change in Pakistan.
