The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), the apex body of India’s gem and jewellery industry, today launched ‘UNNATI – Powering Women in Gems & Jewellery’, a national mission to drive women in the sector learn, lead and grow as skilled professionals, entrepreneurs and future leaders. Beginning with its Gujarat chapter at Sardar Patel Smruti Bhavan, Surat, UNNATI seeks to strengthen women’s participation and leadership in the industry, in step with the national vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Quick Summary
- GJEPC launched UNNATI – Powering Women in Gems & Jewellery in Surat, Gujarat.
- The national mission aims to strengthen women’s participation and leadership across the gems and jewellery value chain.
- More than 1,100 women participated in the Gujarat launch.
- The first phase aims to register at least 200 women for skilling courses.
- GJEPC announced free ₹1 lakh medical insurance for 1,000 women Ratnakalars.
- UNNATI supports the industry’s ambition of reaching US$100 billion in exports by 2040.
- The inaugural UNNATI Awards recognised companies and women contributing to a more inclusive and progressive gems and jewellery industry.
GJEPC Launches UNNATI to Empower Women in Gems & Jewellery
GJEPC Launches UNNATI: Powering Women in Gems & Jewellery to Drive Industry Growth Towards Viksit Bharat
- Chief Guest Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Harsh Sanghavi and Guest of Honour Rajya Sabha MP Shri Govind Dholakia grace the launch of GJEPC’s national mission, UNNATI in Gujarat
- Aligned with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047, UNNATI aims to strengthen women’s participation and leadership as the industry works towards US$100 billion in exports by 2040.
- A national mission to build women leaders, entrepreneurs and skilled professionals across the gem and jewellery value chain, from the workshop floor to the boardroom
- More than 1,100 women from the industry, homemakers and students take part in the Surat, Gujarat launch; first phase aims to register at least 200 women for skilling courses
- GJEPC announces free ₹1 lakh medical insurance for 1,000 women Ratnakalars under the Ratnakalar Parichay Card initiative.
- Inaugural UNNATI Awards honour companies creating opportunities for women and celebrate women achievers; women nominated by 50 companies for their skills recognised on stage
Surat Launch and Industry Support
Surat, 5th October 2026: The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), the apex body of India’s gem and jewellery industry, today launched ‘UNNATI – Powering Women in Gems & Jewellery’, a national mission to drive women in the sector learn, lead and grow as skilled professionals, entrepreneurs and future leaders. Beginning with its Gujarat chapter at Sardar Patel Smruti Bhavan, Surat, UNNATI seeks to strengthen women’s participation and leadership in the industry, in step with the national vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
The launch was graced by Shri Harsh Sanghavi, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat, and Shri Govind Dholakia, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, along with senior representatives of GJEPC and industry stakeholders, including 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. Their presence added significance to the launch and reflected the strong industry-wide support for UNNATI and its vision of creating greater opportunities for women.
Women’s Participation and Skilling Opportunities
The programme saw participation from more than 1,100 women from across the gem and jewellery industry in Gujarat, including homemakers, students and other aspiring professionals. In its first phase, UNNATI aims to register at least 200 women for skilling across a range of courses, opening pathways to careers and entrepreneurship in the sector.
Women at the Heart of India’s Gems and Jewellery Growth
India’s journey to a developed nation will be carried forward by its women, and nowhere is this more visible than in gems and jewellery. From the workshop floor to the boardroom, women are already the backbone of the sector, as artisans, designers, professionals, entrepreneurs and business leaders. UNNATI exists to make sure that contribution is recognised, supported and given every opportunity to grow.
Conceived not as a welfare scheme but as an investment in the industry’s future strength and competitiveness, UNNATI supports GJEPC’s ambition of reaching US$100 billion in exports by 2040 by ensuring that this future is built on the talent, aspirations and leadership of women across the value chain. When women learn, lead and grow, the industry grows with them, and so does Brand India.
Shri Harsh Sanghavi on Expanding Opportunities for Women
Shri Harsh Sanghavi, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat, said, “Unnati is an important initiative that is creating meaningful opportunities for women in the gem and jewellery industry. Today, more than 1,000 women are being connected with employment and business opportunities, but the potential is far greater. We should look at taking these opportunities beyond Surat and into Gujarat’s rural and tribal areas, where greater participation by women can create a strong social and economic impact for their families and communities. I urge GJEPC to develop more initiatives that bring women into the industry and expand their participation across Gujarat. Unnati should not stop at 1,000 or 2,000 women. We should work towards reaching 10,000 women in the coming year. The women who have achieved success should also become role models for others, helping more women gain confidence, build careers and realise their ambitions.”
Shri Govind Dholakia on Women Entrepreneurs and Leadership
Shri Govind Dholakia, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, said, “UNNATI gives us the platform and the direction, but the real work begins with us. We must take this opportunity and create our own growth. I encourage young entrepreneurs, especially women, to have the confidence to step forward, take risks and build something of their own. There is tremendous opportunity in the gem and jewellery sector, and we need more women not only to participate in the industry, but to lead businesses, create employment and contribute to society. That is the kind of leadership and inclusive growth we need for the future.”
Shri Kirit Bhansali on Viksit Bharat and Nari Shakti
Shri Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, said: “Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047 places Nari Shakti at the heart of India’s journey towards a stronger and more developed nation. As an industry, we have set ourselves an ambitious goal of achieving US$100 billion in gem and jewellery exports by 2040, and we cannot achieve this without fully harnessing the talent, skills and leadership of women. UNNATI is a step in that direction—to move women from participation to leadership, from skills to careers, and from employment to entrepreneurship.
When women grow, our industry grows; and when women lead, they can accelerate our collective journey towards US$100 billion by 2040.”
Medical Insurance for Women Ratnakalars
On the occasion, GJEPC also announced a special initiative for women Ratnakalars under its Ratnakalar Parichay Card initiative. In the first phase, 1,000 women Ratnakalars will be provided Parichay Cards along with free medical insurance coverage of up to ₹1 lakh, enabling them to access treatment at leading hospitals. The initiative is aimed at recognising the contribution of women artisans and providing them with greater health security. GJEPC urged eligible Ratnakalar sisters to come forward, register for the Parichay Card and avail themselves of the benefits.
Shri Jayantibhai Savaliya on Gujarat’s Role
Shri Jayantibhai Savaliya, Regional Chairman – Gujarat, GJEPC, said “Gujarat has been at the heart of India’s gem and jewellery story, and the strength of this industry has always come from its people, their skills and their enterprise. Today, women are contributing across the entire value chain—from manufacturing and design to technology, management, business and entrepreneurship. Through UNNATI, our aim is to create stronger pathways for women to learn, upskill, connect with the industry and build successful careers. This is not just about bringing more women into the industry; it is about creating opportunities for them to grow, take leadership and shape the industry’s future. We want the Surat chapter to be the beginning of a much larger movement that reaches women across every major gem and jewellery cluster in India.”
Shri Ashish Borda on Skills and Opportunities
Shri Ashish Borda, Convener, Promotions & Marketing, GJEPC said, “UNNATI is about turning intent into opportunity—connecting women with the skills, networks and pathways they need to build their futures in our industry. What we have begun today in Gujarat is a platform we hope will grow across India, creating a stronger and more inclusive gems and jewellery ecosystem. When women progress, the industry moves forward with them.”
Five Pillars of UNNATI
UNNATI rests on five pillars that take women from aspiration to achievement:
- Inspire & Engage: recognising and celebrating women’s contribution to the industry
- Develop & Empower: leadership, skills training and lifelong learning
- Connect & Collaborate: mentors, peer networks and a community to grow with
- Enable & Accelerate: support for business, access to funding and market opportunities
- Transform & Lead: safer, more progressive workplaces for every woman in the industry
Specialised Training Opportunities
The programme showcased training opportunities across specialised job roles: 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 Awards Recognise Companies and Women
The inaugural UNNATI Awards recognised companies and women contributing to a more inclusive and progressive gems and jewellery industry. The UNNATI Company Awards recognised excellence 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; and Women Leadership Excellence – House of Shah.
The UNNATI Woman Achiever Awards recognised Nisha Jariwala for Woman Entrepreneur & Business Leader; Priti Bhatia and Neha Kochar for Woman Jewellery Designer; Rajvi Kotak and Anshu Singhania for Woman Retail Leader; Sorathiya Kajal Ramnikbhai for Woman Artisan Excellence; Misbah Mansuri for Woman Leader in Marketing & Business Development; and Tanvi Viradiya for Emerging Woman Leader of the Year.
Additionally, in a special moment, women from 50 companies, nominated by their employers for their skills in jewellery design and other areas of the industry, were presented with certificates of recognition, acknowledging their contribution and potential.
UNNATI Partners and Industry Support
UNNATI is organised by GJEPC with the support of 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; Co-Partners AF Ferrari and Shivam Jewels; and Supported By Partners Nityas Gems & Jewellery, Sky Gold, PGI, Golden Carat, Beau Jewels and Anand Shah. The Gem & Jewellery Skill Council of India (GJSCI) is the Knowledge Partner.
UNNATI to Expand Across India
The pilot in Surat, Gujarat is only the beginning. GJEPC’s vision is to take UNNATI to major gem and jewellery clusters across India and build a wider ecosystem that supports women in realising their potential. Women interested in training programmes and the UNNATI mentor network can register at unnati.gjepc.org.
About The Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC)
The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), set up by the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India (GoI) in 1966, is one of several Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) launched by the Indian Government, to boost the country’s export thrust, when India’s post-Independence economy began making forays into the international markets. Since 1998, the GJEPC has been granted autonomous status. The GJEPC is the apex body of the gems & jewellery industry and today represents 11000+ members in the sector. With headquarters in Mumbai, GJEPC has Regional Offices in New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Surat and Jaipur, all of which are major centres for the industry. It thus has a wide reach and is able to have a closer interaction with members to serve them in a direct and more meaningful manner. Over the past decades, GJEPC has emerged as one of the most active EPCs and has continuously strived to both expand its reach and depth in its promotional activities as well as widen and increase services to its members.
FAQs
What is GJEPC UNNATI?
UNNATI – Powering Women in Gems & Jewellery is a national mission launched by GJEPC to drive women in the sector learn, lead and grow as skilled professionals, entrepreneurs and future leaders.
Where was UNNATI launched?
UNNATI was launched with its Gujarat chapter at Sardar Patel Smruti Bhavan, Surat.
How many women participated in the UNNATI launch?
More than 1,100 women from across the gem and jewellery industry in Gujarat, including homemakers, students and other aspiring professionals, participated in the programme.
How many women will be registered for skilling in the first phase?
In its first phase, UNNATI aims to register at least 200 women for skilling across a range of courses.
What medical insurance benefit was announced for women Ratnakalars?
GJEPC announced free medical insurance coverage of up to ₹1 lakh for 1,000 women Ratnakalars under the Ratnakalar Parichay Card initiative.
What is the export target supported by UNNATI?
UNNATI supports GJEPC’s ambition of reaching US$100 billion in gem and jewellery exports by 2040.
What are the five pillars of UNNATI?
The five pillars are Inspire & Engage, Develop & Empower, Connect & Collaborate, Enable & Accelerate, and Transform & Lead.
Will UNNATI expand beyond Gujarat?
The pilot in Surat, Gujarat is only the beginning. GJEPC’s vision is to take UNNATI to major gem and jewellery clusters across India.
Source: SVAR Media Network
About SVAR Media Network – India’s Best Source for Jewellery News, Magazines, Newsletters and Media
SVAR Media Network is India’s No. 1 Destination for Jewellery News, setting the gold standard in timely, trusted, & trend-driven coverage across the Gems & Jewellery industry. As the Most Followed Jewellery Magazine & Media House in India, SVAR delivers Daily Jewellery News India Updates, market insights, & global developments through its platforms like Jewellery Magazine, Newsletters, AI Powered News Bulletins, Website, Social Media, Podcasts, & much more.
Recognized as Asia’s one of the Best Media in Jewellery & one of the World’s Best Jewellery Media, SVAR Media Network sets Unparalleled Standards in the Gems & Jewellery industry. SVAR is the Most Trusted & Widely Read Voice in the Gems & Jewellery Community.
Renowned as India’s Best Jewellery Magazine & Leading Jewellery Media, SVAR blends legacy with cutting-edge innovation by delivering:
- Best in class Jewellery Magazine for the Gems & Jewellery Industry & Jewellery Enthusiasts
- Real-time AI-Powered Jewellery News via SVARA AI, the World’s First AI Anchor in Fashion, Gems & Jewellery Industry
- India’s One of the First Gems & Jewellery Podcasts
- Digital Jewellery Newsletters for professionals and enthusiasts
- ISO 9001:2015 Certification, the first in the jewellery-media sector, proving our commitment to excellence
- Asia’s First & World’s Second Meta Verified Jewellery Media Brand
Ranked #1 among the Top 5 Gems & Jewellery News Websites, Top 10 Jewellery Magazines in India, & Most Influential Jewellery Media Brands, SVAR Media Network is your Trusted Source for Accurate, Fast, & Future-Focused Jewellery News.
SVAR Media Network is India’s No 1 Digital Media in Jewellery Industry & continues to be the Leading Jewellery Magazine & a Global Leader in Jewellery Media. SVAR Media Network offers a diverse range of services, including: Monthly Magazines, Digital Newsletters, Al-Driven News Bulletins, Social Media Promotions, Website Blogs & Articles, WhatsApp Updates, Podcasts & more…
Whether you seek updates on New Launches, Trade Shows, Celebrity Campaigns, Trends or Market Movements, SVAR is the Authority in Jewellery News India & beyond.
Explore the World of Gems & Jewellery with SVAR Media Network — Your Best Source for Trusted, Trend-Setting Jewellery News & Media, Updates, Podcasts & more…
