नारी शक्ति: How SJMA has transformed economic opportunities for women with their training
In the heart of the world’s diamond capital, the Surat Jewellery Manufacturers’ Association(SJMA) is doing more than shaping the brilliance of gemstones — it’s shaping lives. Through its dedicated initiatives for women empowerment, SJMA is opening doors for women to enter, excel, and lead in the jewellery industry.
In the ever-glittering city of Surat, where craftsmanship meets creativity, the Surat Jewellery Manufacturers’ Association (SJMA) continues to carve a legacy that shines beyond gemstones — a legacy of empowerment, inclusion, and opportunity.
As part of its ongoing commitment to uplift women in the jewellery sector, SJMA, in collaboration with Women's Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, WICCI, launched the Abhilasha– Women Empowerment Program, a landmark initiative designed to inspire, educate, and empower women to build meaningful careers in the jewellery industry.
A Platform for Awareness and Aspiration
The Abhilasha event has witnessed the participation of over 1,500 young women and students from Surat and neighboring regions — an unprecedented gathering of ambition and potential. With support from Rotaract, Rotary Clubs, Women ITIs, colleges, social workers, and influencers, the program became a vibrant confluence of guidance, motivation, and real-world opportunity.
Through interactive sessions, mentorship, and discussions, women were introduced to the dynamic world of jewellery manufacturing — gaining valuable insights into teamwork, personal growth, leadership, and the evolving career avenues within the industry.
From Awareness to Action
What made Abhilasha truly impactful was it immediately tangible outcome. The event facilitated 100 direct job opportunities in the jewellery sector and announced free training programs for underprivileged women, ensuring that inspiration translated into employment.
But for SJMA, Abhilasha was just the beginning. The association continues to drive large-scale skill development and placement initiatives through multiple government collaborations — creating a strong and sustainable framework for women’s empowerment.
Skilling the Future: SJMA’s Empowerment Pipeline
Sankalp Project – Government of Gujarat
Under the Sankalp Project, nearly 90 women were trained in CAD Jewellery Design free of cost. Backed by government certification, this initiative provides not only technical knowledge but also industry-recognized credentials that directly enhance employability.
Tie-up with Centre for Educational Development (CED)
SJMA’s collaboration with CED has expanded access to free jewellery-related training courses for women, coupled with 100% job placement support — bridging the gap between learning and livelihood.
SJMA Training Institute
Through its own SJMA Training Institute, the association continues to offer affordable, hands-on training in jewellery manufacturing. Supported by government schemes and partnerships, the institute provides free training for needy women and subsidized programs for others, ensuring inclusivity at every level.
Image courtesy : www.tanishq.co.in
A Vision That Transforms Lives
By uniting Abhilasha’s motivational platform with structured government and institutional training programs, SJMA has built a holistic model of empowerment that moves women from awareness to skill to employment.
This integrated approach ensures that every woman who dreams of a brighter tomorrow finds not just encouragement, but also the tools, training, and opportunities to make it real.
In empowering women, SJMA isn’t just building careers— it’s shaping the future of India’s jewellery industry, one skilled artisan, one inspired woman at a time.