BASF India, in collaboration with Somaiya Vidyavihar (SVV) and the Indian Chemical Council (ICC), proudly marked the success of its flagship initiative, We-Chemie, which empowers young women pursuing careers in chemistry.
Launched in 2023, the program aims to bridge the gender gap in the chemical industry by providing final-year BSc and MSc Chemistry students from underprivileged backgrounds with technical knowledge, professional skills, and practical industry exposure. Since its inception, We-Chemie has trained and recognized 172 students, many of whom have already begun promising careers in the chemical sector.
Graduation Ceremony Celebrates Fourth Cohort
The latest certificate presentation ceremony was held at the BASF Innovation Campus in Mumbai. It celebrated the achievements of the fourth cohort of 37 students, aged 20 to 23, representing diverse regions across India. The event highlighted their academic accomplishments. It also showcased the transformative power of targeted industry-academia collaboration. The program plays a key role in fostering inclusion, innovation, and growth within the chemical sector.
Empowering the Next Generation of Women Chemists
“We are truly delighted to witness the impact of the We-Chemie program in such a short span,” said Alexander Gerding, Managing Director, BASF India Ltd. “Seeing these talented young women confidently step into the chemical industry reaffirms our commitment to building a more inclusive and diverse future. This initiative goes beyond skill-building — it creates opportunities and inspires long-term change in the sector,” Gerding added.
Education Beyond the Classroom
Somaiya Vidyavihar emphasizes that education should extend beyond classrooms to open doors and shape futures. “The We-Chemie program, in partnership with BASF and ICC, has provided these young women not just knowledge but the courage to dream bigger,” said Amrita Somaiya, Trustee of Somaiya Vidyavihar. “This reflects the vision of our founder, Padma Bhushan Shri K. J. Somaiya, who believed education must empower those left behind. I am proud of these girls’ perseverance and honoured to see ambition turning into real opportunities,” Somaiya added.
Voices of the Beneficiaries
Jayashree Zaware, a program participant, reflected, “Today’s certificate ceremony was a proud and memorable occasion. Receiving this certificate gave me a deep sense of accomplishment and recognition for my efforts during the program. It motivates me to continue learning and strengthen my knowledge in chemistry. The ceremony reminded me of the enduring value of hard work, dedication, and teamwork. Overall, it was an inspiring experience that boosted my confidence and encouraged me to embrace new challenges with enthusiasm. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to BASF and SVV for providing this wonderful opportunity.”
Continuing the Journey of Inclusion and Innovation
As per the company press release, the We-Chemie program continues to inspire and uplift the next generation of women chemists in India. The initiative creates pathways for career growth, innovation, and leadership in the chemical industry. By combining academic guidance with industry exposure, the initiative serves as a model for inclusive skill development and empowerment.
