Empowering Women in Mining: Moving Beyond Gender to Achieve Success
Women in the mining industry must demonstrate unwavering dedication to their professional growth and understand that mining is a vocation, not an entitlement.
This sentiment was echoed by Rudairo Mapuranga, Chairman of the Association of Junior Mining Professionals of Zimbabwe (AJMPZ), during his address at the 15th Annual Women in Mining and African Networking Forum in South Africa.
The event, organised by the Intelligence Transfer Centre, was held on July 30-31, 2024, at the Birchwood Hotel OR Tambo Conference Centre in South Africa. It focused on transitioning from integration to leadership development for women in mining.
Mapuranga emphasized that women should view themselves as miners first and foremost, rather than relying on their gender as a basis for advancement.
“Women must recognize that they are miners first and should avoid relying solely on the gender card, as it can lead to perpetual complaints of being sidelined by men. Instead, women should focus on self-improvement and take full advantage of laws that promote gender equality. However, it is crucial that they actively participate and show up to seize these opportunities,” he stated.
The forum brought together influential figures in the mining sector to discuss critical issues facing women in the industry. Eng. Dolly Masilela, Mining Superintendent at Exxaro Resources in South Africa, highlighted the importance of skill development, networking, and mentorship.
She pointed out that women should not expect to be employed merely based on their gender. Instead, they should continually enhance their skills and professionalism to rise through the ranks in the mining industry.
“It is also essential for them to build professional relationships with their managers, who may be men, and to always show a willingness to learn,” Masilela advised.
The forum covered a wide range of topics, from the future of female leadership in mining to the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in empowering women within the industry. Leticia Ohemaa Appiah-Asiamah from Goldfields, Ghana, and Itumeleng Mogatusi-Sekgota from Anglo-American, South Africa, shared insights into the challenges women face, such as gender bias and limited access to opportunities. They underscored the importance of addressing these issues to ensure that women can contribute meaningfully to the sector.
Dr. Gargi Mishra of the De Beers Group discussed the transformative potential of AI in the workforce, noting its impact on job requirements, hiring processes, and career progression. She emphasized that while AI presents challenges, it also offers opportunities for women to upskill and become leaders in an increasingly automated world.
The discussion also touched on the value of leadership that transcends formal qualifications. Grace Akinyi, Founder of Women in Mining Kenya, advocated for inclusive leadership that values diverse experiences and perspectives. She encouraged women in mining to seek mentorship, pursue relevant training, and remain curious about new ideas, regardless of their formal education.
As the forum progressed, the focus shifted to entrepreneurial participation and the collaboration between women and men in mining. Payne Farai Kupfuwa, CEO of the Young Miners Foundation in Zimbabwe, spoke about the need to upscale women’s involvement in mining enterprise development. He emphasized the importance of a collaborative future where men and women work together to drive the industry forward.
Throughout the event, speakers reinforced the idea that women in mining must be proactive in their pursuit of success. This includes leveraging available resources, building strong networks, and maintaining a commitment to continuous learning and self-improvement. The forum concluded with reflections on the progress made towards gender equality in the mining industry, while also recognizing the challenges that persist.
The 15th Annual Women in Mining and African Networking Forum, hosted by the Intelligence Transfer Centre (ITC), served as a crucial platform for discussing the future of women in mining. The discussions emphasized that true empowerment comes from a combination of self-dedication, strategic networking, and a willingness to engage with and overcome the unique challenges faced by women in the industry.