DIGGING DEEP productivity , bottom line results … because we know it ’ s actually a key driver of all these metrics ”
Opoku-Asare is proud of the momentum Newmont has achieved with its expanding global network of business resource groups ( 17 and counting ) which are employee led , established and run with help from executive sponsors .
“ We have a diversity group which focuses on multicultural awareness creation and cultural agility ,” she says . We also have a group looking at advancing the role of women . And we have a veteran ’ s business research group supporting transitions within our community and another covering wellness and health . We also have our ‘ local locals ’ business resource group in the Peru office focusing on our indigenous employees and enabling their status in the business .
“ People don ’ t get paid for doing this work it ’ s their passion . They are starting the conversation and providing a comfortable forum for people to share ideas , solve problems , speak up and learn . For example , when a manager joins a business research group he can better serve and interact with a new employee arriving from a different country . It ’ s been a huge success .”
International Women in Mining Alongside her work for Newmont , Opoku-Asare also sits on the board of International Women in Mining . “ We ’ ve started a lot of programs and recently launched an ongoing photo competition because we realised that whenever you see an article about women in mining you ’ re probably going to see a woman in a swimsuit with a hard hat !” she laughs indignantly .
“ Research has shown that what we see influences what we do and how we think , so it was important to challenge assumptions and show more positive images of real women ( who make up 17 % of the workforce ) in the mining industry . I ’ m privileged to have the opportunity to do that .” But on a personal level , what ’ s been the biggest challenge she has faced as a woman in the industry ? “ Again , it ’ s about awareness ,” maintains Opoku-Asare . “ People may make comments or show behaviour which happens because we haven ’ t had conversations about how that behaviour impacts someone .
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