New Delhi, India — Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), a leading Defence Public Sector Undertaking (DPSU) under the Ministry of Defence, has received the SCOPE Eminence Award 2022–23 in the category of Women Empowerment, recognising its impactful initiatives in promoting gender equality and advancing female participation across organisational levels. The award was presented by President Droupadi Murmu at a ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi.
GSL’s Chairman & Managing Director, Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay, accepted the award on behalf of the organisation, joined by senior HR executives Priya Bhagat and Ashwila Shetgaonkar, representing the company’s growing women workforce. The recognition highlights GSL’s long-standing efforts to create an inclusive environment through leadership development programmes, targeted skill enhancement, and welfare policies designed to empower women professionally and personally.
In her address, President Murmu lauded GSL’s commitment to inclusive growth and its focus on social responsibility. “The true measure of a progressive enterprise lies not only in its technological and economic achievements but in its commitment to social responsibility. Initiatives like those taken by Goa Shipyard Limited contribute significantly to the vision of an inclusive, gender-equal society in line with the Government of India’s ‘Viksit Bharat’ mission,” she remarked.
Established by the Standing Conference of Public Enterprises (SCOPE), the Eminence Awards celebrate exemplary performance by public sector enterprises in diverse areas such as governance, innovation, sustainability, and social equity. GSL’s recognition in the women empowerment category reflects its proactive approach to building a workplace that encourages diversity and enables women to take on leadership roles in traditionally male-dominated sectors like defence manufacturing.
GSL has consistently positioned itself as a front-runner in gender inclusion initiatives. The company has introduced comprehensive leadership training modules for women, promoted career advancement through skill-building programmes, and implemented progressive policies aimed at creating a supportive work environment. These measures have significantly increased female representation in managerial and strategic positions within the organisation.
“Receiving the SCOPE Eminence Award reinforces our commitment to building an equitable workforce where women have equal opportunities to grow, lead, and contribute to national development,” said CMD Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay. “We believe that empowering women is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic advantage that drives innovation and organisational success.”
The recognition places GSL among India’s most socially conscious public sector enterprises and underscores the increasing importance of gender equity as a core pillar of sustainable business strategy. Through sustained efforts and inclusive policies, GSL continues to contribute to a more balanced and progressive industrial ecosystem, aligning with national priorities for inclusive growth and women-led development.
