The PAFI Strengthening Access, Fairness, and Equity in Public Policy (SAFE Public Policy) initiative aims to contribute to the conversation on diversity and inclusion by helping set standards and lead by example. It wants to help educate, engage, and promote dialogue among stakeholders by building the diversity and inclusion agenda into its work and the work of its members.

Atmanirbhar Bharat envisions a self-reliant India that thrives on innovation, resilience, and global competitiveness. However, our accomplishments mean little if vast sections of the population miss out on employment and skill development opportunities, have limited access to resources and adequate training, find barriers to forming networks and finding mentorship, and lack representation in leadership and decision-making roles.

The initiative aims to build a network of stakeholders from PAFI members who can work to address these issues by exploring avenues to inspire, educate, and mentor through the sharing of case studies and best practices; by working with newly raised PAFI councils to facilitate more inclusive policymaking in these sectors; by organising networking events that bring together professionals from diverse backgrounds to foster connections and offer platforms to collaborate and build mentor-mentee relationships. The initiative will also explore opportunities to engage with existing frameworks at national and global levels, such as NITI Aayog’s Women Entrepreneurship Platform and G20 EMPOWER, to pursue goals of greater diversity in the workforce and leadership.

Vinita Sethi, President, PAFI, will chair the council for 2023-24.