<a href="http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/wjalogo.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1349" title="wjalogo" src="http://blog.biggstock.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/wjalogo.jpg" alt="" width="209" height="138" /></a>The  Women's Jewellery Association India Chapter (WJA India Chapter) was  launched today by Ms. Kendra Bridel Weinman, president, WJA US, at a  special function at India International Jewellery Show (IIJS).  Present  on the occasion were Mr. Vasant Mehta, chairman, the Gems and Jewellery  Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), Mr. Vinod Hayagriv, chairman, the Gems  and Jewellery Federation of India (GJF) and Ms. Nirupa Bhatt, managing  director, GIA – India and Middle East.

Women's Jewellery Association, headquartered in New York is the  preeminent association of professional women in the jewellery, watch and  related businesses. WJA, which operates through the national office in  New York City, comprises a network of 12 regional chapters. The India  Chapter will be the first international Chapter.

"WJA is excited to introduce our first International Affiliate  Chapter in India. We feel confident in Nirupa Bhatt's ability to develop  this chapter in the next few years so that WJA offer women in India the  same kind of support and educational tools that we offer women in the  US", said Ms. Weinman.

Ms. Bhatt said: "India is the world's largest manufacturing centre  for gems and jewellery. This industry contributes over 12 percent of the  total export earnings of the country and employs a skilled workforce of  around 1.5 million. Potentially women can play a significant role in  the growth of this industry. Their expertise in designing, merchandizing  – products and visuals, sales and marketing, communication and  advertising are important contributors for the healthy growth of the  industry. A platform for women to connect and grow, share and learn from  their unique perspective was thus a natural progression. With WJA India  Chapter, the opportunity is created to connect and learn at a domestic  and international level".

Mr. Mehta said: "The formation of WJA India Chapter is a significant  milestone. I believe that WJA India will contribute significantly to the  growth of the industry. The empowering and training of women in the  industry needed urgent attention. The talent, skill and potential of  women in the industry have not been completely tapped. I welcome WJA  India Chapter and commit to full support from GJEPC".

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Hayagriv said: "As we seek greater  involvement of young professionals in the country, there is a dire need  for professional interaction to further the cause, and knowledge of the  gems and jewellery trade. The coming of the WJA is a welcome sign, and  with Ms. Bhatt at the helm, WJA can look at their India Chapter as a  defining international move".

Ref: <a href="http://www.gjepc.org/news/view.aspx?NewsId=7794" target="_blank">GJEPC</a>