Lodha Unnati: Paving the Path for Women’s Empowerment, Independence and Confidence

By Lodha

In India, the gender gap in education and workforce participation remains a significant challenge. While 80% of men in the country are literate, only 65% of women achieve the same, according to a World Bank report. Additionally, India’s female labour force participation stands at a mere 37%, ranking the country 120th out of 131 globally. This stark underrepresentation holds back India's economic potential—research suggests that if half of India’s women entered the workforce, the country’s GDP could experience a 9% boost.

A 2024 survey conducted by the Udaiti Foundation and Ashoka University’s CEDA reveals that despite 73% of companies expressing a commitment to diversity, only 21% have implemented actionable steps to achieve these objectives. The economic cost of this gender gap is staggering, with estimates predicting a potential loss of $6 trillion in GDP by 2050.

Barriers such as limited access to education, societal norms, inadequate digital resources, safety concerns during commutes and unsafe working environments continue to restrict women’s participation in the workforce. To address these challenges, the Lodha Foundation launched Lodha Unnati, a transformative initiative dedicated to empowering women by providing them with the tools and opportunities to secure stable employment, earn an income and contribute to India’s economic growth.

Lodha’s Dedication to Women’s Empowerment

Guided by its ‘Do Good, Do Well’ philosophy, Lodha has remained at the forefront of driving change through sustainability, education and women’s empowerment. The Lodha Unnati programme is designed to strengthen the confidence and independence of women across cities like Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Dombivli, Bengaluru and Pune. This initiative focuses on enhancing employability, refining communication skills and collaborating with companies to provide full-time employment opportunities, including remote and hybrid positions.

Since its inception in 2023, Lodha Unnati has worked to dismantle the barriers limiting women’s potential. The programme offers career counselling, mentorship, digital literacy training and job referrals, helping women navigate the workforce with confidence. It also focuses on ensuring gender-inclusive workplaces with reasonable commutes (ideally under one hour) and supportive, safe environments. Over 900 women have already joined the programme, with 400 receiving career counselling, 200 obtaining job referrals and 60 securing employment.

Championing Women in Construction and Real Estate

Women represent just 12% of the workforce in India’s construction sector, with a minuscule 1-2% holding managerial or technical roles. To address this disparity, Lodha Unnati has launched initiatives to actively promote female participation in the construction and real estate industries.

In April 2024, Lodha introduced its first all-women construction management team at Lodha Upper Thane—a landmark initiative aimed at transforming the sector. This pioneering team of 12 women underwent six months of intensive training, including over 120 hours of on-the-job experience, preparing them to lead in construction management roles.

Additionally, Lodha’s Campus-to-Corporate Outreach Programme is bridging the gap between academia and industry for female engineering students and graduates. The programme provides mentorship, hands-on learning and career opportunities, empowering women to meet the demands of the construction industry.

Empowering Women through Partnerships and Skill Development

Through strategic partnerships with leading employers such as Tech Mahindra, Lodha Unnati is creating more opportunities for women across sectors. A successful pilot programme focused on remote work allowed participants to upskill, manage caregiving responsibilities and earn a stable income. Building on this success, Tech Mahindra is exploring additional gender-responsive employment strategies, including flexible night shifts with childcare support. These efforts are expanding across multiple industries to combat social barriers and unlock new opportunities for women.

Lodha Unnati operates through satellite centres located near women’s homes, colleges, or NGOs, ensuring accessibility. The programme aims to train over 6,000 women and secure employment for 3,000 within the next three years. Corporate partnerships are being established with high-growth sectors like BFSI and hospitality to create entry-level and returnee-level positions for women.

Kathryn Moore, Head of Women’s Empowerment at the Lodha Foundation, leads these initiatives with a strong focus on overcoming barriers such as limited access to technology, mobility issues, and safety concerns. By providing upskilling programmes and mentorship near participants’ homes, Lodha Unnati ensures that women are well-equipped to succeed in their professional journeys. Moore says, “Providing free mentorship and career counselling can be the catalyst that enables women to step confidently into the workforce.”

Looking to the Future

The impact of Lodha Unnati is transformative, not only in the lives of the women it empowers but also in contributing to the broader social and economic growth of India. By addressing systemic barriers, providing skill development, and fostering inclusive workplaces, the programme is helping to build a future where women play an integral role in shaping the nation’s progress. Through Lodha Unnati, Lodha is creating lasting change that will continue to benefit women, communities, and the country as a whole.

Take the Next Step with Lodha Unnati

If you are a woman looking to take proactive steps toward securing a job, or if you want to support women in taking charge of their futures, we invite you to reach out to us. Visit the Unnati website to enrol or to find out how you can get involved and make a difference.