“ We have now moved to a stage where we have women operators , and we ’ ve got women foremen , women fitters and turners , geologists , metallurgists , engineers , managers and now a general manager ”
WHAT CHALLENGES HAVE YOU FACED AS A WOMAN IN THE MINING INDUSTRY ?
WHAT MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE FROM AN INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY STANDPOINT TO ATTRACT MORE WOMEN INTO THE INDUSTRY ?
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER WOMEN CONSIDERING A CAREER IN MINING ?
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“ We have now moved to a stage where we have women operators , and we ’ ve got women foremen , women fitters and turners , geologists , metallurgists , engineers , managers and now a general manager ”
— Liezl Davies , General Manager , Operations , Rössing Uranium
WHAT CHALLENGES HAVE YOU FACED AS A WOMAN IN THE MINING INDUSTRY ?
Florence Drummond : “ There is a lack of women of colour in leadership roles . It ’ s important for women to have role models to learn their stories and give us the opportunity to evolve and to continue to refine our narrative . I strongly believe in ‘ you can be what you can see ’ so , it is excellent to see many more initiatives to create talent pools for in-demand professions . A self-sustaining cycle of mentorship and learning can really positively nourish quality participation and retention .
“ There needs to be accessibility to professional development opportunities that are impactful for women who are currently participating in the industry . Traditionally , as a time-poor demographic , how can we as women integrate time on-the-job , to advance in the value we hold as a team member and contribute towards a richer workforce ?”
WHAT MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE FROM AN INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY STANDPOINT TO ATTRACT MORE WOMEN INTO THE INDUSTRY ?
Florence Drummond : “ As an Indigenous woman , I would like to encourage practices to be integrated into operations to allow for a culturally safe workplace . This not only enables a celebration of culture , but a deeper respect and understanding of the significance of land , history , tradition , collaboration and rehabilitation .”
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER WOMEN CONSIDERING A CAREER IN MINING ?
Florence Drummond : “ For women considering a career in this industry , or any traditionally male dominated industry , it ’ s important to be proud of who you are , keep yourself and your
SUMMER / AUTUMN 2020