On November 19, GJEPC hosted a session at the Constitution Club of India’s Deputy Speaker Hall in New Delhi with the theme Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in the Business of Gem & Jewellery Exports. The occasion brought attention to the vital role that women play in fostering innovation and expansion in the gem and jewelry industry.
The Chief Guest was Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani, a former Union Minister. She discussed her vision for establishing a more welcoming and encouraging atmosphere for female entrepreneurs in the sector. She is well-known for her support of women’s empowerment.
Distinguished representatives from GJEPC were present, including North Region Chairman Shri Ashok Seth, Convener of the Studded Jewellery Panel Anil Sankhwal, Convener of the Banking Insurance & Taxation Convener Shaunak Parikh, Member of the Studded Jewellery Panel Smt. Renu Sharma, Executive Director Shri Sabyasachi Ray, and Shri Sanjeev Bhatia, Regional Director – North.
According to Smt. Irani, “GJEPC is in a strong position to identify and develop women’s talent based on their capabilities. Women in the gem and jewelry industry have enormous potential.” The sector needs to put specific initiatives in place to develop talent, from retail entrepreneurs in tiered cities to up-and-coming designers aiming for overseas markets. Women can succeed in this field through programs like partnerships with business schools, financial resources, and exposure to emerging markets. By maximizing their potential, we improve the industry as a whole in addition to people.
In order to provide focused interventions that assist women in the gem and jewelry business, Smt. Irani urged GJEPC to concentrate on research and data collecting. In order to get more women into the field, she emphasized the necessity of working with academic institutions like design and business colleges. She also emphasized how crucial it is to teach women how to conduct business both domestically and abroad in order to increase their competitiveness on the world stage. In order to succeed in this fast-paced business, Smt. Irani emphasized the importance of women being knowledgeable, strategic, and competitive in their entrepreneurial endeavors.
“Women bring unparalleled creativity and strength to the jewelry industry, and empowering them with opportunities and support will unlock the true potential of this vibrant sector,” stated Renu Sharma, a member of the Studded Jewellery Panel, GJEPC.
GJEPC Executive Director Sabyasachi Ray gave a briefing to the audience about the Council’s efforts to support female entrepreneurs. He emphasized that GJEPC reserves certain areas during the India International Jewellery Show (IIJS), the second-largest gem and jewelry show in the world, solely for female designers and businesses. In further evidence of GJEPC‘s dedication to promoting diversity and opportunities for women in the sector, exhibition stalls are also offered at reduced prices to businesses run only by female entrepreneurs.
A lively and interesting exchange between GJEPC representatives and ambitious female entrepreneurs marked the end of the event. The participants talked about the difficulties they have when exporting jewels and jewelry, including restricted access to resources and budgetary limitations. Reiterating its dedication to elevating women in the sector, GJEPC gave them a briefing on how to overcome these obstacles and promised to support them going forward.