{"id":38358,"date":"2026-10-06T12:22:31","date_gmt":"2026-10-06T06:52:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gjepc.org\/solitaire\/?p=38358"},"modified":"2026-10-06T12:22:31","modified_gmt":"2026-10-06T06:52:31","slug":"gjepc-launches-unnati-powering-women-in-gems-jewellery-to-drive-industry-growth-towards-viksit-bharat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gjepc.org\/solitaire\/gjepc-launches-unnati-powering-women-in-gems-jewellery-to-drive-industry-growth-towards-viksit-bharat\/","title":{"rendered":"GJEPC Launches UNNATI: Powering Women in Gems & Jewellery to Drive Industry Growth Towards Viksit Bharat"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), the apex body of India\u2019s gem and jewellery industry, launched \u2018UNNATI \u2013 Powering Women in Gems & Jewellery\u2019, a national mission to drive women in the sector learn, lead and grow as skilled professionals, entrepreneurs and future leaders. Beginning with its Gujarat chapter at Sardar Patel Smruti Bhavan, Surat, UNNATI seeks to strengthen women\u2019s participation and leadership in the industry, in step with the national vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.<\/p>\n

The launch on 5th<\/sup> October 2026 was graced by Shri Harsh Sanghavi, Hon\u2019ble Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat, and Shri Govind Dholakia, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, along with senior representatives of GJEPC and industry stakeholders, including Shri Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC; Shri Jayantibhai Savaliya, Regional Chairman \u2013 Gujarat, GJEPC; Shri Anil Virani, Convener, Audit & Finance, GJEPC; Shri Ashish Borda, Convener, Promotions, Marketing & Business Development, GJEPC; Shri Sevantibhai Shah, Chairman & Founder, Venus Jewel; Shri Mukesh Patel, Chairman, Greenlab Diamonds; Shri Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, GJEPC; and Smt. Forum Marfatia, President, WICCI Surat Chapter.<\/p>\n

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Shri Harsh Sanghavi (centre) being felicitated by Shri Kirit Bhansali (right) and Shri Jayantibhai Savaliya.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The programme saw participation from more than 1,100 women from across the gem and jewellery industry in Gujarat, including homemakers, students and other aspiring professionals. In its first phase, UNNATI aims to register at least 200 women for skilling across a range of courses, opening pathways to careers and entrepreneurship in the sector.<\/p>\n

Conceived not as a welfare scheme but as an investment in the industry\u2019s future strength and competitiveness, UNNATI supports GJEPC\u2019s ambition of reaching US$100 billion in exports by 2040 by ensuring that this future is built on the talent, aspirations and leadership of women across the value chain. When women learn, lead and grow, the industry grows with them, and so does Brand India.<\/p>\n

Shri Harsh Sanghavi, Hon\u2019ble Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat, said, \u201cUnnati is an important initiative that is creating meaningful opportunities for women in the gem and jewellery industry. Today, more than 1,000 women are being connected with employment and business opportunities, but the potential is far greater. We should look at taking these opportunities beyond Surat and into Gujarat\u2019s rural and tribal areas, where greater participation by women can create a strong social and economic impact for their families and communities. I urge GJEPC to develop more initiatives that bring women into the industry and expand their participation across Gujarat. Unnati should not stop at 1,000 or 2,000 women. We should work towards reaching 10,000 women in the coming year. The women who have achieved success should also become role models for others, helping more women gain confidence, build careers and realise their ambitions.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shri Govind Dholakia, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, said, \u201cUNNATI gives us the platform and the direction, but the real work begins with us. We must take this opportunity and create our own growth. I encourage young entrepreneurs, especially women, to have the confidence to step forward, take risks and build something of their own. There is tremendous opportunity in the gem and jewellery sector, and we need more women not only to participate in the industry, but to lead businesses, create employment and contribute to society. That is the kind of leadership and inclusive growth we need for the future.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shri Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, said: \u201cHon\u2019ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi\u2019s vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047 places Nari Shakti at the heart of India\u2019s journey towards a stronger and more developed nation. As an industry, we have set ourselves an ambitious goal of achieving US$100 billion in gem and jewellery exports by 2040, and we cannot achieve this without fully harnessing the talent, skills and leadership of women. UNNATI is a step in that direction\u2014to move women from participation to leadership, from skills to careers, and from employment to entrepreneurship. When women grow, our industry grows; and when women lead, they can accelerate our collective journey towards US$100 billion by 2040.\u201d<\/p>\n

On the occasion, GJEPC also announced a special initiative for women Ratnakalakars under its Ratnakalakar Parichay Card initiative. In the first phase, 1,000 women Ratnakalakars will be provided Parichay Cards along with free medical insurance coverage of up to \u20b91 lakh, enabling them to access treatment at leading hospitals. The initiative is aimed at recognising the contribution of women artisans and providing them with greater health security. GJEPC urged eligible Ratnakalakar sisters to come forward, register for the Parichay Card and avail themselves of the benefits.<\/p>\n

Shri Jayantibhai Savaliya, Regional Chairman \u2013 Gujarat, GJEPC, said \u201cGujarat has been at the heart of India\u2019s gem and jewellery story, and the strength of this industry has always come from its people, their skills and their enterprise. Today, women are contributing across the entire value chain\u2014from manufacturing and design to technology, management, business and entrepreneurship. Through UNNATI, our aim is to create stronger pathways for women to learn, upskill, connect with the industry and build successful careers. This is not just about bringing more women into the industry; it is about creating opportunities for them to grow, take leadership and shape the industry\u2019s future. We want the Surat chapter to be the beginning of a much larger movement that reaches women across every major gem and jewellery cluster in India.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shri Ashish Borda, Convener, Promotions & Marketing, GJEPC said, \u201cUNNATI is about turning intent into opportunity\u2014connecting women with the skills, networks and pathways they need to build their futures in our industry. What we have begun today in Gujarat is a platform we hope will grow across India, creating a stronger and more inclusive gems and jewellery ecosystem. When women progress, the industry moves forward with them.\u201d<\/p>\n

UNNATI rests on five pillars that take women from aspiration to achievement:<\/p>\n