CREDAI launches first all-women masons‘ batch in Chhattisgarh

Extending support to the United Nations’ 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.

See also: Here’s why Indian real estate needs more women in the business

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.