Asia's First UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion and Skill Development Launched at SSPU Pune

Key Facts

• The UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion and Skill Development was launched on April 24, 2026, at Symbiosis Skills and Professional University (SSPU), Pune.
• It is Asia's first UNESCO Chair dedicated specifically to gender inclusion and skill development.
• The Chair was formally inaugurated by Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Government of India.
• Ms. Aditi Tatkare, Minister for Women and Child Development, Government of Maharashtra, and Ms. Monica Nagelgaard, Consul General of Norway, were also present at the inauguration.
• SSPU has trained over 10,000 girls in future-ready sectors including robotics, automation, semiconductor technology, advanced manufacturing, and defence technology.
• The initiative ensures all trained girls receive job offers post completion, highlighting an effective industry-linked skilling model.
• Dr. Swati Mujumdar, Pro-Chancellor of SSPU, leads the UNESCO Chair with a focus on practical learning, employability, and direct industry engagement to reduce gender gaps and increase women’s participation in high-growth sectors.
• The Chair is part of UNESCO’s UNITWIN/UNESCO Chairs Programme established in 1992 promoting research, training, and institutional development.

Background & Context

The UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion and Skill Development was established to serve as a regional platform for research, innovation, and capacity building, promoting inclusive skills development models and advancing gender equality specifically in emerging industries. The initiative aligns with India's Skill India Mission, launched in 2015, aimed at enhancing employability and vocational training nationwide. SSPU's model integrates education with practical, industry-relevant skills, preparing women for participation in sunrise industries that have strong economic growth and employment prospects but traditionally low female representation.

Why This Matters for Exams / Exam Relevance

This development is notable for competitive exams covering initiatives on women's empowerment, skill development, and international collaboration in education. The launch details—such as SSPU's role, UNESCO affiliation, sectors targeted (robotics, semiconductor, advanced manufacturing, defence technology), and key personalities like Jayant Chaudhary and Swati Mujumdar—are valuable facts. Understanding the policy focus on gender inclusion in emerging sectors reflects India's socio-economic development priorities.

Points to Remember

• SSPU Pune is the host institution of Asia’s first UNESCO Chair focusing on gender inclusion and skill development.
• The Chair supports training in advanced sectors with strong job potential, linking education, skilling, and employment.
• Over 10,000 girls have been trained and received job offers, demonstrating the success of the program.
• It was inaugurated by Minister Jayant Chaudhary, underlining government priority on inclusive skill development.
• Dr. Swati Mujumdar leads the Chair with a mandate to enhance women's participation in high-growth, traditionally male-dominated industries.
• The initiative includes curriculum development, faculty exchange, and global partnerships to foster research and training.
• The Chair also launched the “Kushal Saathi” mentorship initiative for girls pursuing STEM careers.