SSPU Launches UNESCO Chair to Advance Gender Inclusion in Skill Development
New initiative focuses on empowering women through advanced training, research, and industry collaboration in emerging sectors
Pune: In a significant move to strengthen gender inclusion in skill development, Symbiosis Skills and Professional University has launched a UNESCO Chair dedicated to promoting equitable access to future-ready skills for women.
The initiative, unveiled on Friday, aims to expand opportunities for women particularly those from underserved communities by enhancing their employability in high-growth sectors such as robotics, semiconductor technology, advanced manufacturing, and defence.
The UNESCO Chair was inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Jayant Chaudhary, who emphasized the importance of bridging the skill gap among youth, especially women. He noted that such efforts are crucial for creating inclusive pathways into emerging industries and ensuring equal participation in the workforce.
Designed as a multi-dimensional platform, the Chair will promote inclusive skilling models, facilitate research, and support policy development aligned with global priorities set by UNESCO. It will also enable curriculum innovation, faculty exchange programmes, and international collaborations to enhance training standards.
Maharashtra’s Minister for Women and Child Development, Aditi Tatkare, highlighted the broader social impact of such programmes, stating that initiatives like this play a vital role in fostering independence, confidence, and long-term empowerment among women.
The Chair will be led by SSPU Pro-Chancellor Swati Mujumdar, who underscored the university’s commitment to translating education into employment. She revealed that nearly 10,000 girls have already received training in emerging technologies under related initiatives, with many successfully securing job offers.
The launch coincided with an international conference titled “Women Leading the Future of Work,” bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, and academic experts to discuss strategies for increasing women’s participation in next-generation sectors. Key themes included artificial intelligence, Industry 4.0, defence technology, semiconductors, and global capability centres.
As part of the event, SSPU introduced the “Kushal Saathi” mentorship programme aimed at guiding girls in STEM fields and released a comprehensive research compendium on skilling. The university also formalized partnerships with leading companies such as Jabil and Larsen & Toubro to strengthen industry-linked training and employment opportunities.
With participation from over 300 delegates and representatives from global organisations, the initiative is expected to create a structured framework for enhancing women’s workforce participation through targeted skill development, research, and collaboration.
