PROFILE
For Reed , this represents part of IWiM ’ s role as being a bridge for women in mining around the world .
“ I think people see the rationale . Mining is a very international industry and people are always looking to move around the world and expand their networks so it makes sense for them to engage with IWIM ,” says Reed .
Platforms such as Twitter allow people to engage in conversation and debate . To share successes , failures , challenges and all experiences .
“ The more people you get into the conversation the better . Social media opens the window into that and it allows us to give women a voice . There is something very democratic about social media , it ’ s not about broadcasting it ’ s about conversation . We use it to allow women to have that conversation , progression , job opportunities , positive experiences everything that you would expect someone involved in mining to do ,” says Reed .
For IWiM , it doesn ’ t stop there . The organisation is working on a number of key initiatives and projects to deliver a platform for women ’ s voices in mining to be heard .
One of the biggest initiatives has been an investment on getting more female mining professionals speaking at large scale mining conferences - IWiM SpeakUp .
This provides the key ingredient for progression and success .
“ Speakers at these events get visibility . That is one way of getting your feet on a company board , promotion , a stretch assignment or to even being headhunted for a more senior position at another mining companies ,” says Dischinger .
But of course , having more women speakers , who are experts in their field is a truer representation of the mining industry .
“ It is very important to have women speaking because it goes back to our goal of providing a voice for women and it means that you are part of the debate . It shouldn ’ t be a gender issue , if you are a qualified person to speak on that topic , then you should be speaking at an event ,” says Reed .
IWiM is also partnering with Adam Smith International ( ASI ) to review the impact of mining legislation on the participation of women
10 January 2017