BASF India, Somaiya Vidyavihar, and ICC Strengthen We-Chemie Initiative Empowering Women in Chemistry

BASF India, Somaiya Vidyavihar, and the Indian Chemical Council have strengthened their We-Chemie initiative, which promotes gender diversity in India's chemical industry. Launched in 2023, the program empowers young women pursuing chemistry from underserved communities with technical expertise, career readiness, and industry exposure. Having trained 220 students, including a recent cohort of 48, We-Chemie fosters confidence and professional skills, actively reshaping women's representation in India’s STEM and chemical sectors through collaborative efforts.

The We-Chemie initiative, a collaborative effort by BASF India, Somaiya Vidyavihar (SVV), and the Indian Chemical Council (ICC), is significantly advancing gender diversity within India's chemical industry. Launched in 2023 to address the persistent under-representation of women in the sector, the program specifically targets final-year BSc and MSc Chemistry students, particularly those from underserved backgrounds. It provides a comprehensive curriculum that includes advanced technical learning, essential career readiness and soft skills training, and invaluable direct engagement with industry professionals.To date, We-Chemie has successfully trained 220 students, equipping them with the confidence and professional competencies needed for roles in India’s rapidly expanding chemical sector. A recent milestone involved a certificate ceremony at Somaiya Vidyavihar University in Mumbai for the fifth cohort, comprising forty-eight students from diverse semi-urban regions across India, highlighting the initiative's broad geographic reach. This event not only celebrated the participants' achievements but also underscored the effectiveness of strategic partnerships between industry and academia in bolstering India's STEM talent pipeline.The program's holistic development approach combines classroom instruction with interactive group activities and real-world industry interactions. Beneficiaries like Harshada Raghunath Powar attest to the program's transformative impact, citing enhanced confidence, networking opportunities with women professionals, and strong mentorship. Industry partners, such as SRF Limited's Shrikant Verma, commend the initiative's precision and positive impact, ensuring students gain crucial real-world exposure. Through We-Chemie, BASF India and its partners are actively cultivating an inclusive, innovation-driven chemical workforce, reinforcing the powerful message that diversity fuels innovation and empowers the entire industry.