Ø Former Union Minister Smt. Smriti Irani Leads GJEPC Session on Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in Gem & Jewellery Industry
The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) organised a session titled “Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in the Business of Gem & Jewellery Exports” at the Deputy Speaker Hall, Constitution Club of India in New Delhi on 19th November. The event highlighted the critical role of women in driving innovation and growth in the gem and jewellery sector.
As the Chief Guest, former Union Minister Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani, who is well-known for supporting women’s empowerment, discussed her goal of establishing a more welcoming and encouraging atmosphere for female business owners in the sector.
Shri Ashok Seth, Chairman of the North Region of GJEPC; Anil Sankhwal, Convener of the Studded Jewellery Panel; Shaunak Parikh, Convener of Banking Insurance & Taxation; Ms. Renu Sharma, Member of the Studded Jewellery Panel, GJEPC; and Shri Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, were among the notable GJEPC members present.
Smt. Irani said, “GJEPC is in a strong position to identify and develop women’s talent based on their abilities, and women in the gem and jewelry industry have enormous potential.” The sector needs to put specific initiatives in place to develop talent, from retail entrepreneurs in tiered cities to up-and-coming designers aiming for overseas markets. Women can succeed in this field through programs like partnerships with business schools, financial resources, and exposure to emerging markets. By maximizing their potential, we improve the industry as a whole in addition to people.
In order to facilitate focused actions that assist women in the gem and jewelry business, Smt. Irani urged the Council to concentrate on research and data collection. In order to get more women into the field, she underlined the necessity of working with academic institutions like design and business schools. She also emphasized how crucial it is to teach women how to conduct business both domestically and abroad in order to increase their competitiveness on the world stage. Smt. Irani emphasized how important it is for women to be knowledgeable, strategic, and competitive in their business endeavors in order to succeed in this fast-paced sector.
Renu Sharma, Member, Studded Jewellery Panel, GJEPC said, “Women bring unparalleled creativity and strength to the jewellery industry and empowering them with opportunities and support will unlock the true potential of this vibrant sector.”
Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director of GJEPC, informed the audience of the Council’s efforts to support female entrepreneurs. He emphasized that GJEPC reserves certain areas during the India International Jewellery Show (IIJS), the second-largest gem and jewelry show in the world, solely for female designers and businesses. In further evidence of GJEPC’s dedication to promoting diversity and opportunities for women in the sector, exhibition stalls are also offered at reduced prices to businesses run only by female entrepreneurs.
A lively and interesting exchange between GJEPC representatives and ambitious female entrepreneurs marked the end of the event. The participants talked about the difficulties they have when exporting jewels and jewelry, including restricted access to resources and budgetary limitations. Reiterating its dedication to elevating women in the sector, GJEPC gave them a briefing on how to overcome these obstacles and promised to support them going forward.
