GJEPC Introduces UNNATI to Empower Women and Strengthen India’s Gems & Jewellery Industry

The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), the apex organisation representing India’s gem and jewellery sector, has launched ‘UNNATI – Powering Women in Gems & Jewellery’, a national initiative aimed at helping women acquire skills, build careers, become entrepreneurs and emerge as future leaders in the industry. The initiative was formally launched with its Gujarat chapter at Sardar Patel Smruti Bhavan, Surat, on 5 October 2026, supporting the broader national vision of building a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

The launch was attended by Shri Harsh Sanghavi, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat, and Shri Govind Dholakia, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, along with senior GJEPC representatives and prominent industry stakeholders. The gathering included Shri Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC; Shri Jayantibhai Savaliya, Regional Chairman – 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.

The event attracted more than 1,100 women from Gujarat’s gem and jewellery ecosystem, including homemakers, students and aspiring professionals. During its initial phase, UNNATI plans to enrol at least 200 women in specialised skilling programmes, creating new avenues for employment, career advancement and entrepreneurship.

Positioned as an investment in the industry’s long-term growth rather than simply a welfare initiative, UNNATI is aligned with GJEPC’s objective of achieving US$100 billion in gem and jewellery exports by 2040. The initiative seeks to ensure that women become an integral part of the sector’s future workforce, leadership and entrepreneurial ecosystem. By enabling women to learn, lead and grow, UNNATI aims to contribute to the growth of the industry and strengthen Brand India.

Leaders Highlight the Importance of Women’s Participation

Shri Harsh Sanghavi, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat, described UNNATI as an important platform for creating employment and business opportunities for women. He noted that while more than 1,000 women are already being connected with opportunities through the initiative, its potential should extend much further.

He called for UNNATI to reach women in Gujarat’s rural and tribal regions, where greater participation could generate significant social and economic benefits for families and communities. He also urged GJEPC to work towards bringing 10,000 women into the programme over the coming year, while encouraging successful participants to become role models and inspire other women to pursue careers and entrepreneurship.

Shri Govind Dholakia, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, said that UNNATI provides the platform, but women and aspiring entrepreneurs must take the initiative forward themselves. He encouraged women, particularly young entrepreneurs, to develop the confidence to take risks, establish businesses and create employment.

He emphasised that the gems and jewellery sector offers considerable opportunities and that women should not only participate in the industry but also take leadership positions, build enterprises and contribute to wider economic and social development.

Shri Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, highlighted the importance of women in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047. He said that with the industry targeting US$100 billion in exports by 2040, India must fully utilise the talent, capabilities and leadership potential of women.

According to him, UNNATI is designed to move women from participation towards leadership, from skill development towards sustainable careers, and from employment towards entrepreneurship. He emphasised that empowering women would directly contribute to strengthening the industry and accelerating its journey towards the US$100 billion export target.

Special Support for Women Ratnakalakars

As part of the programme, GJEPC also announced a dedicated initiative for women Ratnakalakars under its Ratnakalakar Parichay Card programme.

During the first phase, 1,000 women Ratnakalakars will receive Parichay Cards along with free medical insurance coverage of up to ₹1 lakh. The coverage will provide access to treatment at leading hospitals and is intended to recognise the contribution of women artisans while improving their access to healthcare and financial protection.

GJEPC encouraged eligible women Ratnakalakars to register for the Parichay Card and make use of the benefits available under the initiative.

Shri Jayantibhai Savaliya, Regional Chairman – Gujarat, GJEPC, said Gujarat has played a central role in India’s gem and jewellery industry, with its growth driven by the skills, enterprise and dedication of its workforce.

He noted that women are now contributing across the value chain, including manufacturing, design, technology, management, business and entrepreneurship. Through UNNATI, GJEPC aims to provide women with opportunities to acquire new skills, connect with industry networks and develop successful careers.

He added that the Surat chapter is intended to become the starting point for a larger movement that reaches women across major gem and jewellery clusters throughout India.

Shri Ashish Borda, Convener, Promotions & Marketing, GJEPC, said UNNATI aims to convert intent into tangible opportunities by connecting women with the skills, networks and resources required to build successful futures within the industry.

He expressed the hope that the Gujarat initiative would eventually expand across India, contributing to a stronger, more inclusive and diverse gems and jewellery ecosystem.

Five Pillars of UNNATI

UNNATI has been structured around five key pillars, designed to take women from aspiration to achievement:

Inspire & Engage: Recognising and celebrating women’s contribution to the industry.
Develop & Empower: Providing leadership development, technical training and opportunities for continuous learning.
Connect & Collaborate: Creating access to mentors, peer networks and industry communities.
Enable & Accelerate: Supporting entrepreneurship, funding access and market opportunities.
Transform & Lead: Promoting safer, progressive and supportive workplaces for women.

The programme also highlighted training opportunities across a wide range of specialised roles, including Diamond Assorter, Diamond Polisher, Diamond Planner, Jewellery Designer – Hand Sketch, Jewellery Designer – CAD, Wax Setter, Filer and Assembler, Metal Setter, Jewellery Polisher and Cleaner, and Jewellery Retail Sales Associate.

UNNATI Woman Achiever Awards

The UNNATI Woman Achiever Awards recognised women who have made significant contributions across different areas of the industry.

The awardees included:

Nisha Jariwala – Woman Entrepreneur & Business Leader
Priti Bhatia and Neha Kochar – Woman Jewellery Designer
Rajvi Kotak and Anshu Singhania – Woman Retail Leader
Sorathiya Kajal Ramnikbhai – Woman Artisan Excellence
Misbah Mansuri – Woman Leader in Marketing & Business Development
Tanvi Viradiya – Emerging Woman Leader of the Year

The inaugural UNNATI Company Awards also recognised organisations supporting women and promoting a more inclusive workplace across five categories:

Women Workforce Champion – House of Shah
Women Career Advancement – Derewala Industries Ltd
Women Skilling & Development – Greenlab Diamonds LLP
Women Work-Life Support – Design Creation
Women Leadership Excellence – House of Shah

In another special recognition, women from 50 companies, nominated by their respective employers for their expertise in jewellery design and other industry functions, were presented with certificates acknowledging their contribution, skills and potential.

Building a Pan-India Women’s Network

UNNATI has been launched by GJEPC with support from its Partners on Board: Women’s Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (WICCI), Surat Jewellery Manufacturers Association (SJMA), the Lab Grown Diamond Association, the Surat Jewellery Association and the Surat Diamond Industry.

The initiative’s Co-Partners are AF Ferrari and Shivam Jewels, while Nityas Gems & Jewellery, Sky Gold, PGI, Golden Carat, Beau Jewels and Anand Shah are Supporting Partners. The Gem & Jewellery Skill Council of India (GJSCI) serves as the Knowledge Partner.

GJEPC plans to expand UNNATI to major gem and jewellery clusters across India, creating a broader ecosystem where women can access training, mentorship, professional networks and opportunities for career and entrepreneurial growth.

Women interested in UNNATI’s training programmes and mentor network can register at unnati.gjepc.org.