Women in Mining Sector: Challenges and Opportunities for Female Representation
Women in the mining sector play diverse roles but face challenges in representation and advancement. Globally, women make up only 8-12% of the mining workforce, with limitations in accessing managerial positions. Despite barriers, there are inspiring stories of women like Wilhmina Manaso breaking stereotypes in mining leadership. Initiatives are needed to attract more women to mining and promote gender diversity in the industry.
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WOMEN IN MINING PRESENTATION 2022-August 17 Presenter: Sr. Lihle Nzimande
Agenda What are Women in Mining The role of Women in the Mining Sector Global percentage of Women in the Mining Sector Why is female representative so sparse in Mining Sector Barriers to promote Women in Mining Sector How can we as women break these b How can Women be attracted to the Mining Sector Closing Questions/Comments
What are Women in the Mining Sector Women in Mining is a nationwide sector composed of individuals employed in, associated with or interested in the activities of the mining industry. The sector is not limited to women only, members include women engineers, geologists, miners, secretaries, mine workers, educators and other concerned citizens.
The role of Women in the Mining Sector Mining pit is a collaborative working area that was considered popular suited for women for operating mining trackless mobile machine, like front end loaders, dump trucks etc. machine chiefly used on the surface and not underground operation. These type of machine were considered suited to women whose steady approach tends to less and wear on machine as compared to their male counterparts, but were not recognise for underground operation like blasting, face cutting etc. Previous women role Initiating blasting (previously not a women role)
Global percentage of Women in Mining Sector According to the study conducted in September 2021 women represented 8-12% of the global mining force of the mining labour 458, 543. This percentage was based on most difficult jobs performed in underground that may have physiological risks for women. Women have had to face a range of challenges and restriction. According to Bloomberg study the proportion of women employed by mining sector sits around 15.7% up only 1%vof the past five years. Accordingly one in 20 global mining industries is headed by woman, hence there is still a huge gap to close. Today we can speak of Wilhmina Manaso who works as Mine Manager, in Rehabilitation for BHP Billiton over South Africa who has challenged the role of men in managerial positions. She quotes as follows to encourage other women to take a stance in this sector: I just listen, it s something that I needed in life. I studied Mining Engineering and there is no way I can go back and do something different so I just had to improve and work through the ranks until I became who I am but its been a difficult journey to tell the truth.
Global percentage of Women in Mining Sector We all see in our current work situations that the women percentage is still below than what the Mining Charter stipulates as commitment that mining sector should at least have 40% of women in Managerial positions. https://mining.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/News-Snag79.jpg This rest with us women to challenge the male dominations by exposing ourselves that we are capable to do what our male counterpart can do. We are aware that the mining was designed to accommodate male due to their physical strength but forgetting that women have the same capabilities with proper training and accommodation in the work setting. Wilhemina Manaso the lady who has progressed through the men dominated world. Ladies the challenge rest with us to get the required qualification to get to the top.
Why is female representative so sparse in Mining Sector The scarcity of women in mining sector is based across three dimension, critical to women's progression in the sector are: Initial recruitment: Women are for most part attracted to the mining sector by type of variety of work it offers, opportunities for professional and advancement and competitive remuneration. There is still a huge gap amongst these variety as compared to male. Medium-term retention: Women are prone to leave or want to leave the industry because the qualities that originally attracted them to the field don t any anymore fulfil their expectations (work no longer intellectually and the perception that there are no advancement opportunities). Promotion of women up through the organisation: The company culture and lack of diversity seem to be the factors pushing the women out of the mining. This was the study conducted by McKensey being the indication why the women are so scarce in the mining sector. Addressing these uncertainty the percentage and retention of women can be increased dramatically.
Barriers to promote Women in Mining Sector The following are some of the barriers faced by women in mining industries regardless of geographical locations. Occupational segregation lack of exposure in mining technology due to mindset and stereotypes. Sexual harassment Workplace culture that need to be changed. Lack of mentors to coach women. Societal expectations regarding gender roles Barriers to female leadership - less assertive tactics to promote women. - less developed female leadership networks. Gender communication leading to different ways of communication between various gender in the workplace. The list go on and on, and these need to be addressed by management in collaboration with women in the sector.
How can we as WIM break these barriers Teach one another in the workplace inclusively of gender; what is not sexual harassment. Create networking to allow women initiatives. Management to emphasise inclusion of opposite sex in the workplace recognise women as part of the working team. Educate women how to handle workplace romance situation to prevent exploitation by their male counterpart. Totally eliminate secrecy surrounding workplace romance. Remove discrimination directed towards women. We must find our confidence and not be introverted well facing challenges. Established shared understanding with our male counterparts in the work setting.
How can WIM be attracted to Mining Sector Women can be attracted to the Mining sector by: Promote women into more senior roles technical, operation and executive positions Provide sponsorship programme for women advancement. Demonstrate equal respect and value in the workplace among female and male employees. Ensure a inclusive safe workplace. Improve mid-career opportunities. Offer and support technical opportunities through experience. Offer flexibility and better options for mothers around childcare.
Closing The imperative to attract and bind the of a broad and diverse labour pool is clear and should encourage mining industries to recruit and develop more and invest in their success through retention and cut on women labour turnover. THANK YOU.
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