Raipur (Chattisgarh) : Extending support to the United Nation’s HeForShe campaign (UN solidarity movement for gender equality), the Confederation of Real Estate Developer’s Associations of India (CREDAI), on March 8, 2017, announced the launch of its first all-women mason batch, under its Skill Development initiative. The program aims at boosting gender equality by transforming the livelihood of women construction workers, by empowering them with the necessary skills. This is a conscious effort by CREDAI, to change the current status quo, where very few women are employed in this profession. This initiative will also increase their employability and help them in earning better livelihoods. The initiative will begin from Raipur, Chhattisgarh and will be replicated in other cities, as well.
The trainings are funded by PNB Housing Finance Limited (PNBHFL), under its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, with Rustomjee Academy for Global Careers (RAGC) as the training partner. The Construction Skill Development Council of India (CSDCI) will oversee the assessment and certification, in coordination with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).
The construction sector, after agriculture, is the second-largest sector of the country, accounting for 11% of India’s GDP and is also the nation’s second-largest employer. Only 4% of India’s workforce is currently skilled. This poses a serious threat to the future growth of the industry and nation-building. Through its Skill Development program, CREDAI has enhanced the quality of life of over 50,000 construction workers across India via its member developers spread across 23 states and 168 city chapters.
Commenting on the occasion, Jitendra Thakkar, head of skills development at CREDAI National said, “Owing to labour-intensive activities, the construction industry has always remained a male-dominated sector. This initiative, therefore, is a great opportunity for women to join the construction sector. Hence, on the occasion of Women’s Day, we are proud to launch the first all-women’s mason batch, which will open a big opportunity for women to achieve financial and social independence and gender equality. It is indeed an important milestone in the journey of gender equality and CREDAI is proud to be a part of this HeforShe campaign started by the UN.”
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