UNESCO CHAIR ON GENDER INCLUSION & SKILL DEVELOPMENT

UNESCO CHAIR ON GENDER INCLUSION & SKILL DEVELOPMENT

Why in the News?

  • New global initiative: UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion & Skill Development launched at Symbiosis Skills and Professional University.
  • First in Asia: Marks a significant step towards women-led skill development and workforce participation in emerging sectors.

Key features of the initiative

  • Focus area: Promotes gender inclusion in skilling ecosystems, especially for underprivileged women.
  • Future skills training: Covers robotics, automation, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, defence technology.
  • Large-scale outreach: Around 10,000 girls already trained under the programme.
  • Industry integration: Model links training with employment outcomes, ensuring practical skill application.
  • Global collaboration: Operates under UNESCO framework to align with international best practices in education and inclusion.

Significance for India’s workforce and gender empowerment

  • Bridging gender gap: Enhances female participation in STEM and emerging technologies, traditionally male-dominated sectors.
  • Economic empowerment: Supports women’s employability and income generation, contributing to inclusive growth.
  • Skill ecosystem boost: Strengthens India’s Skill India mission by aligning training with industry needs.
  • Demographic dividend: Utilises young female workforce potential to drive productivity and innovation.
  • Global leadership: Positions India as a leader in gender-inclusive skilling models for developing countries.

UNESCO Chairs Programme

●      Concept: UNESCO Chairs are university-based programmes promoting research, training, and knowledge-sharing in priority areas.

●      Objective: Foster international cooperation and capacity-building in education, science, and culture.

●      Network: Part of UNITWIN (University Twinning and Networking Programme) connecting global institutions.

●      Thematic focus: Covers areas like sustainable development, gender equality, education and innovation.

●      UPSC relevance: Important for international organisations, education policies, and gender empowerment topics in GS Paper II & III.