{"id":15016,"date":"2026-10-08T06:45:40","date_gmt":"2026-10-08T06:45:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jewellerynewsindia.com\/?p=15016"},"modified":"2026-10-08T06:48:51","modified_gmt":"2026-10-08T06:48:51","slug":"gjepc-introduces-unnati-to-empower-women-and-strengthen-indias-gems-jewellery-industry","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jewellerynewsindia.com\/index.php\/2026\/10\/08\/gjepc-introduces-unnati-to-empower-women-and-strengthen-indias-gems-jewellery-industry\/","title":{"rendered":"GJEPC Introduces UNNATI to Empower Women and Strengthen India\u2019s Gems & Jewellery Industry"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

GJEPC Introduces UNNATI to Empower Women and Strengthen India\u2019s Gems & Jewellery Industry<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC)<\/a>, the apex organisation representing India\u2019s gem and jewellery sector, has launched \u2018UNNATI \u2013 Powering Women in Gems & Jewellery\u2019<\/strong>, 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<\/strong>, supporting the broader national vision of building a Viksit Bharat by 2047<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The launch was attended by Shri Harsh Sanghavi, Hon\u2019ble Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat<\/strong>, and Shri Govind Dholakia, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha<\/strong>, along with senior GJEPC representatives and prominent industry stakeholders. The gathering included 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;<\/strong> and Smt. Forum Marfatia, President, WICCI Surat Chapter<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The event attracted more than 1,100 women<\/strong> from Gujarat\u2019s gem and jewellery ecosystem, including homemakers, students and aspiring professionals. During its initial phase, UNNATI<\/a> plans to enrol at least 200 women in specialised skilling programmes<\/strong>, creating new avenues for employment, career advancement and entrepreneurship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Positioned as an investment in the industry\u2019s long-term growth rather than simply a welfare initiative, UNNATI<\/a> is aligned with GJEPC\u2019s objective of achieving US$100 billion in gem and jewellery exports by 2040<\/strong>. The initiative seeks to ensure that women become an integral part of the sector\u2019s future workforce, leadership and entrepreneurial ecosystem. By enabling women to learn, lead and grow, UNNATI<\/a> aims to contribute to the growth of the industry and strengthen Brand India<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Leaders Highlight the Importance of Women\u2019s Participation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Shri Harsh Sanghavi, Hon\u2019ble Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat<\/strong>, described UNNATI<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He called for UNNATI<\/a> to reach women in Gujarat\u2019s 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<\/strong> into the programme over the coming year, while encouraging successful participants to become role models and inspire other women to pursue careers and entrepreneurship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shri Govind Dholakia, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha<\/strong>, said that UNNATI<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

According to him, UNNATI<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Special Support for Women Ratnakalakars<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As part of the programme, GJEPC also announced a dedicated initiative for women Ratnakalakars<\/strong> under its Ratnakalakar Parichay Card<\/strong> programme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the first phase, 1,000 women Ratnakalakars<\/strong> will receive Parichay Cards along with free medical insurance coverage of up to \u20b91 lakh<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GJEPC encouraged eligible women Ratnakalakars to register for the Parichay Card and make use of the benefits available under the initiative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shri Jayantibhai Savaliya, Regional Chairman \u2013 Gujarat, GJEPC<\/strong>, said Gujarat has played a central role in India\u2019s gem and jewellery industry, with its growth driven by the skills, enterprise and dedication of its workforce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Five Pillars of UNNATI<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

UNNATI<\/a> has been structured around five key pillars<\/strong>, designed to take women from aspiration to achievement:<\/p>\n\n\n\n