The initiative was launched in Surat at Sardar Patel Smruti Bhavan in the presence of Gujarat’s Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister Shri Harsh Sanghavi, Rajya Sabha MP Shri Govind Dholakia, GJEPC Chairman Shri Kirit Bhansali, GJEPC Gujarat Regional Chairman Shri Jayantibhai Savaliya, GJEPC Executive Director Shri Sabyasachi Ray and senior industry leaders. Mr. Rajeev Garg, ED & CEO, GJSCI was also present at the event. More than 1,100 women representing different segments of the gems and jewellery ecosystem participated in the programme.
As Knowledge Partner, GJSCI will leverage its expertise in industry-oriented skilling, occupational standards, assessment and certification to support women working across the sector. A key focus will be to formally recognise the skills and experience of women who are already engaged in the industry through appropriate assessment and industry-recognised certification pathways.
“There are thousands of women across the gems and jewellery industry who possess valuable skills acquired through years of practical experience. UNNATI provides an opportunity to convert that experience into formal recognition, certification and stronger career opportunities.” — Mr. Rajeev Garg, ED & CEO, GJSCI.
The initiative will focus on high-demand occupations across diamond processing, jewellery manufacturing, design, retail and allied areas, including Diamond Assorter, Diamond Polisher, Diamond Planner, Jewellery Designer – CAD, Jewellery Designer – Hand Sketch, Wax Setter, Filer & Assembler, Metal Setter, Jewellery Polisher & Cleaner and Jewellery Retail Sales Associate. Addressing the gathering, Shri Harsh Sanghavi highlighted the need to extend such opportunities beyond Surat to rural and tribal regions of Gujarat, where greater participation of women can generate significant social and economic impact for families and communities.
“Certification is not merely a credential; it is a pathway to greater employability, career progression and dignity of work. Through UNNATI, GJSCI seeks to ensure that women’s skills are recognised, validated and aligned with the evolving needs of the industry.” — Mr. Rajeev Garg, ED & CEO, GJSCI. The UNNATI launch also featured the UNNATI Awards, recognising women achievers and companies demonstrating excellence in women’s workforce participation, career advancement, skilling, work-life support and leadership.
GJSCI’s objective is to build a skilled, certified and future-ready women workforce that can learn, earn, progress and lead. By taking industry-relevant skilling and certification closer to women across regions, GJSCI would unlock a significant talent pool for the growth of India’s gems and jewellery sector.
The GJEPC–GJSCI partnership under UNNATI marks an important step towards building a more inclusive and skilled workforce, while creating pathways for women to access employment, advance their careers and explore entrepreneurship.