Empowering Young Women Through Project Management Skills and Career Awareness
Date: 10 October 2026
Venue: Guru Nanak College, Chennai
Organising Partner: Avtar Human Capital Trust (AHCT) – Project Puthri
Participating Team: PMI Chennai Chapter – Social Impact Portfolio
⭐Programme Overview
The PMI Chennai Chapter, through its Social Impact Portfolio, participated in Udyog Utsav 2026, a career-envisioning event for girl students organised by Avtar Human Capital Trust (AHCT) under Project Puthri at Guru Nanak College, Chennai.
As part of this initiative, PMI Chennai Chapter volunteers delivered a knowledge-sharing session titled “Project Management Fundamentals and Skills Required for a Career” to over 180 students from Classes XI and XII, representing government schools across Chennai, including Avadi, Hastinapur, Mudivankarai, Perungudi and Velachery, among other locations.
The programme was conducted in six batches of approximately 30 students each, introducing the students to basic project management concepts and their relevance to academic success, career planning and everyday problem-solving.
⭐Key Learning Areas and Intended Impact
The sessions introduced students to the value of structured planning, goal setting, teamwork, communication, problem-solving, time management and taking responsibility for outcomes.
By relating project management fundamentals to familiar situations in students’ lives, the volunteers aimed to demonstrate how these skills can help them organise their studies, work collaboratively, make informed decisions and approach their future careers with greater confidence.
The intervention sought to bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical, transferable skills, enabling students to appreciate that project management is not limited to corporate environments but is also applicable to education, community initiatives and personal development.
⭐Alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs)
The initiative contributes to the broader objectives of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly in education, gender equality, employability skills and inclusive opportunities.
☆SDG 4 – Quality Education
Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
The programme supported skills-oriented learning beyond the formal curriculum by introducing government school students to practical project management concepts and transferable life skills. It aligns particularly with Target 4.4, which focuses on increasing relevant skills among young people for employment, decent work and entrepreneurship, and supports the wider objective of equitable access to learning opportunities.
☆SDG 5 – Gender Equality
Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
As part of a career-envisioning event for girl students, the initiative created an opportunity for young women to explore career-relevant competencies, strengthen their confidence and broaden their understanding of skills useful across professional fields. It supports the wider objective of empowering girls to pursue their educational and career aspirations.
☆SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth
Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.
Introducing students to planning, communication, teamwork, time management and problem-solving helps build awareness of competencies valued in the workplace. The session supported early career readiness by connecting foundational project management skills with future employment and professional development.
☆SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities
Reduce inequality within and among countries.
By extending practical knowledge-sharing to students from government schools across multiple Chennai localities, the initiative helped widen exposure to career-related learning beyond the conventional classroom curriculum. It represents a contribution towards more inclusive access to knowledge and developmental opportunities.
☆SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development.
The collaboration between PMI Chennai Chapter and Avtar Human Capital Trust under Project Puthri illustrates how professional communities and social-impact organisations can combine their expertise and reach to create meaningful learning opportunities for young people.
The SDG alignment above reflects the programme’s contribution and intended outcomes; it does not imply that the initiative alone achieves these global targets.
⭐Reach and Participation
- Students reached: 180+
- Student groups: Classes XI and XII
- Schools: Government schools across Chennai
- Delivery format: Six batches of approximately 30 students each
- Core intervention: Project Management Fundamentals and Career Skills Awareness
- Knowledge contributors: PMI Chennai Chapter volunteers
- Organising partner: AHCT – Project Puthri
⭐Recognition and Appreciation
In recognition of the Chapter’s contribution, Avtar Human Capital Trust presented a memento expressing its heartfelt appreciation for the PMI Chennai Chapter – Social Impact team’s engagement during the Knowledge Sharing Session at Udyog Utsav 2026.
The acknowledgement from AHCT’s founder was a meaningful recognition of the volunteers’ contribution towards sharing professional knowledge with school students and supporting their career-envisioning journey.
⭐Conclusion
The PMI Chennai Chapter’s participation in Udyog Utsav 2026 reflects its commitment to applying project management knowledge beyond the corporate environment and making it accessible to young learners.
Through this initiative, Chapter volunteers helped introduce over 180 government school students to practical skills that can support their academic journey, personal effectiveness and future career aspirations.
By aligning professional knowledge-sharing with the principles of quality education, gender equality, career readiness, inclusion and collaborative partnerships, the initiative represents a meaningful contribution to PMI Chennai Chapter’s Social Impact mission and the broader UNSDG agenda.
PMI Chennai Chapter extends its sincere appreciation to Avtar Human Capital Trust and Project Puthri for the opportunity to participate in this initiative, and to all the volunteers who contributed their time, expertise and commitment.
Together, we can help young women dream bigger, plan purposefully and take confident steps towards a brighter future.
Thanks to @Victor JP , @~Swapna @VIjaykumar PMI CC ,@Rajitha for the participation at Chennai Udyog Utsav.
