Centurion University of Technology and Management
Stitching Inclusion: A Living Lab Model Advancing Diversity, Equity and Sustainable Livelihoods
Finalist, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Sustainability
About
Centurion University’s Apparel Manufacturing Unit (including the AUSSIE enterprise), presented as “Stitching Inclusion”, is an inclusive Living Lab advancing diversity, equity and inclusion within sustainability. It addresses inequalities related to disability, gender and rural disadvantage by enabling rural, tribal and specially-abled (hearing and speech impaired) youth to access dignified livelihoods. Established in 2014, the initiative integrates training and enterprise within a real apparel production ecosystem, removing barriers to employment. Through inclusive pedagogy, sign-language-based instruction and non-verbal workplace systems, it ensures equitable access to skills and jobs. To date, over 50,000 youth have been trained and placed, with strong participation of women and tribal communities. By embedding inclusion within a revenue-generating enterprise, the model shifts from welfare-based approaches to capability building and offers a proven and scalable model for inclusive workforce development.
Top 3 learnings
- We learned inclusion succeeds when systems are redesigned, not just people trained.
- We learned industry-linked training leads to sustainable livelihoods and stable employment.
- We learned dignified livelihoods transform families, communities and social acceptance.
Sustainable Development Goals
| 2026 | |
| Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Sustainability | |
| Finalist, International |
