BASF India, in collaboration with Somaiya Vidyavihar (SVV) and the Indian Chemical Council (ICC), has reached another milestone in promoting gender diversity in India’s chemical industry through its flagship We-Chemie initiative. The program continues to empower young women pursuing careers in chemistry by equipping them with technical expertise, career readiness skills, and direct industry exposure.
Addressing Gender Gaps in the Chemical Industry
Launched in 2023, We-Chemie was designed to tackle the persistent under-representation of women in the chemical sector. The initiative specifically supports final-year BSc and MSc Chemistry students, particularly those from underserved communities, by offering:
*Advanced technical learning
*Career readiness and soft skills training
*Direct engagement with industry professionals
Since its inception, the program has successfully trained 220 students, building their confidence and preparing them for professional roles in India’s fast-growing chemical industry.
Celebrating the Fifth Cohort in Mumbai
At a recent certificate ceremony held at Somaiya Vidyavihar University in Mumbai, the fifth cohort of forty-eight students celebrated the successful completion of the program. The participants represented diverse semi-urban regions including Roha, Pune, Parner, Kolhapur, Solapur, Goa, Mumbai, and Gujarat, reflecting the initiative’s expanding geographic reach. The event not only honoured the students’ dedication but also demonstrated how strategic collaboration between industry and academia can effectively strengthen India’s STEM talent pipeline.
Building Confidence and Industry Readiness
The latest cohort highlights We-Chemie’s continued success in nurturing women chemists with both scientific knowledge and professional skills. By combining classroom learning, interactive group activities, and industry interactions, the program creates a holistic development environment.
Harshada Raghunath Powar from Kolhapur, one of the beneficiaries, shared, “The We-Chemie program gave us the opportunity to connect with girls from diverse backgrounds and meet women professionals working in the chemical industry. Their stories inspired us to overcome our doubts about working in this field. Through thoughtfully planned activities and classroom sessions, we learned to collaborate, build friendships, and understand different perspectives. Over time, we developed greater confidence and overcame our insecurities. The transformation we experienced was truly remarkable.” She further acknowledged the strong mentorship provided by faculty and program coordinators, who encouraged participants to grow into confident, responsible, and accountable professionals.
Industry Engagement Strengthens Impact
Industry participation has been a key pillar of the initiative. Shrikant Verma, Senior Executive HR at SRF Limited, stated, “It was great to be part of such an impactful initiative. The We-Chemie team coordinated and planned the campus drive with precision, making it a meaningful experience for all involved.” Such engagement ensures that students gain real-world exposure and understand the expectations of corporate and industrial environments.
Strengthening the Future of Women in STEM
Through We-Chemie, BASF India and its partners are actively building a more inclusive, innovation-driven chemical workforce. By nurturing young women chemists with technical expertise, industry exposure, and personal development opportunities, the initiative is helping reshape gender representation in India’s chemical and STEM sectors. As per the press release, as the program continues to grow, it reinforces a powerful message: diversity fuels innovation, and empowering women in chemistry strengthens the entire industry.
