Stitching Inclusion: A Living Lab Model Advancing Diversity, Equity and Sustainable Livelihoods

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

1. We learned inclusion succeeds when systems are redesigned, not just people trained.
2. We learned industry-linked training leads to sustainable livelihoods and stable employment.
3. We learned dignified livelihoods transform families, communities and social acceptance.

What it means to win

Winning the International Green Gown Award for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Sustainability would be a profound recognition of Centurion University’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind. It would affirm our belief that higher education has the power—and responsibility—to transform lives by creating equitable opportunities for those who have historically been excluded. This award would recognise our Living Lab model as evidence that diversity, equity and inclusion are not stand-alone initiatives, but fundamental drivers of sustainable development. By integrating education, industry, entrepreneurship and community engagement, we have created a self-sustaining ecosystem that empowers women, tribal communities, persons with disabilities and other marginalised groups with dignified livelihoods and pathways to long-term prosperity. Winning would honour the collective efforts of our students, faculty, staff, industry partners, government agencies and communities, whose shared commitment has transformed inclusion into measurable social and economic impact. It would also strengthen our ability to expand the initiative, forge new national and international partnerships, influence policy and inspire institutions worldwide to adopt inclusive, industry-integrated models of education. Most importantly, this recognition would reinforce our resolve to scale our impact, reach more underserved communities and demonstrate that true sustainability is only possible when diversity, equity and inclusion are placed at the heart of education, innovation and economic development. For Centurion University, winning would not be the culmination of our journey—it would be a catalyst to create even greater and more enduring change.

Judges' feedback

The scale of this initiative is amazing and the impacts are huge, the programme has achieved impressive quantitative results and is also an excellent example of an institution-wide initiative

A meaningful, impactful, and self-sustaining project with both social and environmental sustainability in focus. Advances DEI within sustainability in an intersectional manner. More specific consideration of adaptations that could be made for people from rural, tribal, and previously Naxal-affected regions could help enhance inclusivity. Another area for potential improvement is to explore opportunities for sourcing fabric from suppliers engaging in sustainable practices (e.g., relating to production of primary products, water use, and use of dyes).

This is a great program. It has longevity and provides meaningful pathways to employment for marginalised groups. IT meets equity, diversity and inclusion requirements. To improve on what is already being done, finding ways of empowering local communities through procurement partnerships might be a way to deepen the sustainability pathways for local communities.

Sustainable Development Goals