The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) hosted a session titled Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in the Business of Gem & Jewellery Exports on 19th November at the Deputy Speaker Hall, Constitution Club of India in New Delhi. The event highlighted the contributions of women to growth and innovation in the gem and jewellery industry.
Former Union Minister Smriti Zubin Irani attended as the Chief Guest, sharing her perspectives on supporting women entrepreneurs in the gem and jewellery industry.
A Vision for Women’s Empowerment in Jewellery
In her address, Smriti Irani highlighted the opportunities available for women in the gem and jewellery sector. She underscored the need for targeted strategies to identify and nurture women’s talent, ranging from designers focusing on export markets to retail entrepreneurs in smaller cities.
Irani said:
“Women in the gem and jewellery industry possess immense potential, and GJEPC is well-positioned to recognise and nurture women’s talent based on their capabilities. From emerging designers targeting export markets to retail entrepreneurs in tiered cities, the industry must implement targeted strategies to nurture talent. Initiatives such as exposure to emerging markets, access to financial resources, and partnerships with business schools can empower women to excel in this sector. By unlocking their potential, we not only uplift individuals but elevate the entire industry.”
Fostering Growth Through Collaboration and Training
Irani urged the GJEPC to prioritise research and data collection to develop evidence-based interventions that address the needs of women in the industry. She advocated for partnerships with academic institutions, such as design and business schools, to encourage greater participation of women.
She stated:
“Training women to navigate both domestic and international transactions, enhancing their global competitiveness,” is a key area of focus for empowering women entrepreneurs. Irani added that equipping women with the tools to become “well-informed, strategic, and competitive” would be crucial to ensuring their success in a highly dynamic and evolving industry.
GJEPC’s Role in Supporting Women Entrepreneurs
The session was attended by key members of the GJEPC, including Ashok Seth, North Region Chairman; Anil Sankhwal, Convener of the Studded Jewellery Panel; Shaunak Parikh, Convener of Banking, Insurance & Taxation; Renu Sharma, Member of the Studded Jewellery Panel; Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, and Sanjeev Bhatia, Regional Director of the Northern Region.
The attendance of key GJEPC members signalled a focus on growth and inclusivity within the industry.
Implications for the Jewellery Industry
As the jewellery industry continues to evolve, the insights from this session provide a roadmap for integrating more women into key roles within the sector. Jewellers can leverage initiatives that support talent development, improve access to financial resources, and establish partnerships with educational institutions to build a robust and inclusive workforce.
