Women in Refinish Program in Asia Pacific

Initiated in 2025 in India, the ‘Women in Refinish’ program is designed to empower women from underprivileged communities by equipping them with the technical and professional skills needed to build a career in the refinish coatings sector. Following the successful completion of the first batch, which trained and placed women in industry roles—the new batch welcomes 21 fresh graduates eager to begin their journey in industrial painting and refinishing.

Developed and delivered with support from BASF Coatings experts, the program provides a 3–4 months comprehensive skill development course combining theory and hands-on practice. BASF has established dedicated training infrastructure to create an effective learning environment, while Don Bosco continues to host the training booth within its technical institute and supports the teaching process.

“We are delighted to see the continued success of the ‘Women in Refinish’ program as we welcome our second batch of trainees. As women continue to be underrepresented in the refinish industry, we remain deeply committed to driving inclusion and creating meaningful pathways for their participation. The growing interest and positive outcomes reaffirm our belief that empowerment through skill development can create lasting impact, not only for individuals but for the entire industry.” says Alexander Gerding, Managing Director, BASF India Ltd.

Sneha Vijay Godhake, a beneficiary of the program, reflected on her experience,"Completing the Automotive Refinish car painting course has been an empowering experience for me. I gained hands-on expertise in using specialized machinery, mastered colour-matching techniques, and developed a strong understanding of workplace safety standards. This programme not only introduced me to a unique and niche career path but also gave me the confidence to build my own identity in the industry. I’m deeply grateful to my trainers and the entire project team for their support and guidance throughout this journey.”

Women in Refinish initiative is part of BASF Coatings’s broader commitment to fostering diversity, inclusion, and employability through meaningful CSR partnerships and industry-relevant skill development.

Yi Guo, Vice President Business Management, Automotive Refinish Asia Pacific at BASF Coatings, remarked: “This initiative is a reflection of our commitment to both inclusion and business growth. We believe investing in programs like this not only strengthens the refinish industry but also aligns with our vision for a sustainable and diverse future. We will continue to pursue innovative approaches that create impact for our customers, partners, and communities.”