By Nilesh Chandgude for BIS Mumbai

The Don Bosco E-Mobility Centre of Excellence took a bold stride toward equity by hosting a two-day Gender Analysis Workshop on April 9–10, 2026, at its Chinchwad facility. This pivotal event spotlighted strategies to boost women's participation in the booming electric vehicle (EV) sector, fostering inclusive skill development.

 Facilitated by Anita Ratnam, a renowned consultant in leadership and gender frameworks, the workshop united principals, trainers, and coordinators from Don Bosco centres in Chinchwad, Waluj, Walvanda, and Kurla. Over 30 participants delved into gender dynamics through interactive sessions, case studies, and panels.

 Focus on Gender Inclusion in E-Mobility

 Discussions zeroed in on critical areas:

• Trends in women's enrollment in EV courses like battery assembly and charging infrastructure.

• Hurdles in recruiting, training, and placing female candidates amid stereotypes.

• Strategies for workplace retention and career progression.

• Societal and institutional barriers blocking women's entry into technical trades.

 Participants dissected data showing women's under representation—less than 15% in EV skilling—while exploring success stories from similar programs.

 Collaborative Approach

 Panels featured NGOs supporting marginalized women and e-mobility industry leaders, revealing employer needs for diverse teams. Insights highlighted biases in hiring and the need for mentorship. The co-creation model gathered inputs to shape a unified Gender Inclusion Framework, blending centre-specific insights with best practices.

 Way Forward

 Outcomes will fuel:

•  A finalized Gender Inclusion Strategy by May 2026.

•  Tailored action plans for each centre, addressing local challenges.

•  Upgraded training modules, placement drives, and support for women.

•  Phased rollout through mid-2026, with mobilization campaigns, adaptive curricula, and monitoring tools.

•  Leadership and Participation 

Key figures drove the momentum: Fr Montey, Fr Patole, Fr Shekhar; Amar Prabhu, Principal of Don Bosco ITI Kurla; Nilesh Chandgude, Principal of Don Bosco Chinchwad; Kenneth Saldanha, EV Project Coordinator; and Rohit, Master Trainer. Their commitment signals Don Bosco's institutional push for change.

 This workshop cements Don Bosco's role in green mobility, integrating gender lenses to empower women alongside men. By dismantling barriers, the project promises sustainable livelihoods and inclusive growth in India's EV revolution.