Symbiosis Launches Asia’s First UNESCO Gender Chair

Symbiosis Skills and Professional University (SSPU), Pune, has launched Asia’s first UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion and Skill Development. The initiative was announced during the international conference titled “Women Leading the Future of Work”, organised in collaboration with UNESCO. The Chair aims to promote gender equality through skill development, employment opportunities and research, especially for underprivileged girls and women in emerging industries.

First UNESCO Chair of Its Kind in Asia

The UNESCO Chair was formally inaugurated by Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and Minister of State for Education. The initiative marks a major step in linking education, skilling and gender inclusion at an international level. It is the first UNESCO Chair in Asia dedicated specifically to gender inclusion and skill development, making India a key centre for this global agenda.

Focus on Future Skills and Employment

Under this initiative, SSPU has already trained 10,000 girls in future-ready sectors such as robotics, automation, semiconductor technology, advanced manufacturing and defence technology. These sectors are considered sunrise industries with strong employment potential. According to the university, all trained girls and women received job offers after completing their skill development programmes, reflecting the success of its industry-linked training model.

Leadership Behind the Initiative

The UNESCO Chair is being led by Dr Swati Mujumdar, Pro-Chancellor of SSPU, who has developed a strong industry-integrated skilling framework for large-scale women’s empowerment. The model focuses on practical learning, employability and direct industry engagement. It aims to reduce gender gaps in technical education and increase women’s participation in high-growth sectors where representation has traditionally remained low.

Important Facts for Exams

• UNESCO stands for United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, founded in 1945 and headquartered in Paris.
• UNESCO Chairs are international academic partnerships created to promote research, training and institutional development in priority areas.
• Skill India Mission was launched in 2015 to improve employability and vocational training across India.
• Sunrise sectors refer to fast-growing industries such as robotics, semiconductors, AI and advanced manufacturing.

Strengthening India’s Global Skill Development Role

The initiative positions SSPU as an international hub for research, innovation and inclusive skill development aligned with UNESCO’s priorities. It also supports India’s broader vision of women-led development and economic participation. The programme brings together education, government and industry to create long-term pathways for women’s employment and leadership. With growing demand for skilled workers in advanced sectors, such efforts are expected to play a major role in shaping the future workforce.