Breaking Barriers: How Praj GenX is Leading the Way for Women in Welding
Praj GenX took a bold step forward. Partnering with Fronius, a premier welding institute, and NITTE University in Karnataka, the company designed and fully funded a specialized training program to equip women between the ages of 18 and 25 with world-class welding skills. Many of these women had no prior academic qualifications in welding, but through rigorous theoretical training, hands-on practical's, and extensive on-the-job experience, they have emerged as highly skilled professionals ready to take on industrial challenges.
In a groundbreaking move that is redefining gender roles in industrial manufacturing, Praj GenX Ltd, a subsidiary of Praj Industries Ltd, has created history by training and employing 50 women welders at its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Mangaluru’s Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Karnataka, India. This initiative is not just about filling a workforce gap—it is about shattering stereotypes, fostering inclusivity, and paving the way for a more diverse and equitable future in STEM and skilled trades.
Empowering Women, One Weld at a Time
Traditionally, welding has been perceived as a male-dominated profession, with women making up only a small percentage of the workforce, even in developed economies. In India, their representation in this field is negligible. Recognizing the untapped potential of women in this high-skill profession, Praj GenX took a bold step forward. Partnering with Fronius, a premier welding institute, and NITTE University in Karnataka, the company designed and fully funded a specialized training program to equip women between the ages of 18 and 25 with world-class welding skills. Many of these women had no prior academic qualifications in welding, but through rigorous theoretical training, hands-on practicals, and extensive on-the-job experience, they have emerged as highly skilled professionals ready to take on industrial challenges.
This inaugural batch of 50 women welders has been named the Rani Chennamma Batch, honoring the legendary Indian freedom fighter from Karnataka. Inspired by her courage and resilience, these women are stepping into a field that demands technical expertise, precision, and an unwavering commitment to safety.
A Workplace Designed for Inclusion and Safety
Beyond skill development, Praj GenX has gone the extra mile to create a workplace where these women can thrive. The manufacturing facility is a model of modern industrial inclusivity. Dedicated restrooms, ergonomic workstations, cutting-edge personal protective equipment, increased workplace surveillance, and transportation facilities ensure that the women welders have a comfortable and secure working environment. Additionally, the head of security at the facility is a woman, underscoring Praj’s commitment to gender inclusivity at every level.
Given the critical demands of the hydrocarbon sector, which Praj GenX serves, safety and precision are non-negotiable. The company specializes in engineering and manufacturing heavy equipment such as pressure vessels, distillation columns, storage vessels, and skids, where precise and flawless welds are essential to prevent leaks and catastrophic failures. This calls for highly skilled welders with expertise in specialized welding procedures and codes. To uphold these stringent quality and safety standards, the training program incorporates a rigorous curriculum, combining in-depth theoretical instruction, hands-on practice, on-the-job experience, and comprehensive safety training.
Expanding Opportunities: Beyond Welding
Encouraged by the success of the welding program, Praj GenX is set to replicate this initiative in other high-skill areas. The company will soon begin training women in Electrical and Instrumentation assemblies for its equipment. This expansion will further reinforce the company’s mission of empowering women with specialized technical skills, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to industrial manufacturing.
More Than a Job—A Transformation
For many of these women, stepping into the world of welding is not just about earning a livelihood; it’s about breaking generational barriers. They are the first in their families to work in a high-skill manufacturing role, setting an inspiring precedent for the younger generation. With financial independence comes newfound confidence, and with technical expertise comes social empowerment. This initiative is as much about economic upliftment as it is about personal transformation.
A Commitment to Gender Diversity in STEM
Praj GenX’s dedication to gender diversity goes beyond just welding. Across its parent company, Praj Industries, women are at the forefront of research, engineering, and leadership roles. “At Praj, merit comes first. We equip women with the skills, confidence, and leadership opportunities to excel. Our women welders are not just employees—they are trailblazers, setting new benchmarks in excellence and opportunity,” says Dr. Pramod Chaudhari, Founder Chairman, Praj Industries.
Adding to this, Abhijit Dani, Director of Praj GenX emphasizes the company’s vision of fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace: “Women naturally possess dexterity and creativity—both essential qualities for precision-driven industries like ours. At Praj GenX, our vision is to create a workplace that is not only diverse but also safe and empowering, where talent thrives without barriers. By equipping women with world-class skills and fostering an inclusive environment, we are not just building a workforce; we are shaping the future of manufacturing.”
As part of its commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace, Praj and Praj GenX have introduced Uchit, a gender-neutral policy for POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) that ensures fairness, safety, and dignity for all employees, regardless of gender identity. Uchit reflects the company’s dedication to creating a workplace where respect is foundational, concerns are addressed transparently, and harassment has zero tolerance. By implementing this policy, Praj GenX goes beyond compliance—it reaffirms its promise to cultivate a culture of trust, inclusivity, and empowerment, allowing every individual to thrive with confidence.
Inspiring a Global Movement
Praj GenX’s initiative is more than a corporate endeavor—it is a beacon of change for industries worldwide. As companies across sectors strive for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I), the success of this program serves as a powerful testament to what is possible when vision meets action.
By proving that women can excel in high-skill manufacturing roles, Praj GenX is setting a global precedent and inspiring organizations everywhere to reimagine what a truly inclusive workforce looks like. Their efforts are not just transforming lives—they are transforming industries.
With this pioneering approach, Praj GenX is not just building process plants; it is building a future where opportunities know no gender, and talent finds its rightful place—one weld at a time. For further insights into the evolving workplace paradigm, visit
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