UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion and Skill Development with an aim to create a society offering ample opportunities to girls and women through STEM oriented skill development initiatives. The Chair aligns with SDG Goal 4 (ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all), SDG Goal 5 (achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls) and SDG 10 (reduce inequality within and among countries). India has a share of 48.5% of female population which is expected to increase significantly over the years. However, growth in women population do not translate to the encouraging outcome in women entering the labour force. As per the PLFS of GoI, women participation in labor workforce was only 37% in 2022-23. This disparity is much higher in STEM jobs, where women participation is limited to only 14% in India. Traditional gender roles, societal expectations, safety in workplace, lack of conducive policies and sustaining careers in STEM are major barriers for women in STEM careers in India.

This Chair would work actively to create gender inclusive ecosystem for imparting quality skilling and education through STEM advocacy and capacity building of TVET systems. University follows a moto of “Saksham Mahila, Saksham Samaj” and continues to uplift women especially from economically weaker sections of society by training them. University is already working closely with industry, Central and State Governments and local communities to bring underprivileged rural girls into labour force. In last 5 years, 7000 women candidates have been trained free of cost on various STEM job roles in manufacturing, green jobs and engineering trades. These women get special scholarships as part of University Social Responsibility. This Chair would expand reach and scale of current initiatives and provide a global platform for advocacy, policy making, research, capacity development on this important issue of STEM education and gender inclusivity.