Women in Mining UK: small steps make big differences for gender equality on the global stage

By Dale Benton
If you ever feel like you’re too small to make a difference, share the night with a mosquito. A humorous analogy, but a pertinent message, especially...

If you ever feel like you’re too small to make a difference, share the night with a mosquito.

A humorous analogy, but a pertinent message, especially when coming from Melinda Moore of Women in Mining UK.

Speaking at the World Congress Mining 2018 in Astana Kazakhstan, Moore joined an illustrious panel of female leaders in the mining world.

The key message? That women’s role in mining, and the wider economy, should not be taken for granted and that each and every one of use as industry players can make a change.

Even if its taking a small, simple step.

“We at Women in Mining UK provide women with a strong international network,” explains Moore. “and this network is filled with industry leaders, both male and female, and they can share and exchange knowledge and experience.”

“We aim to inspire women to be the best possible version of themselves and to be the best contributors to the mining sector.”

Women in Mining recognises that mining is an essential cog to the modern world. To put it bluntly, the world would not exist without metals. The organisation champions the industry and strives to forge a path for future female miners.

 

Read our exclusive interview with Barbara Dischinger, Founder and Director of International Women in Mining (IWiM):

International Women in Mining and bridging the gender gap

 

Through its global survey, the top 100 inspirational women in mining, and a series of scholarships available at international recognised schools of mining, Moore feels that WiM is truly putting its money where its mouth is.

The long term ambition for WiM is a simple one, to reach a point in the industry where there is no need for it to exist as an organisation. A lofty goal perhaps, but one that is most certainly achievable.

And once again, it’s up to every single one of us to do more.

“The fix to the barriers that females face is easy. Support, inspire, develop and sponsor women in the industry,”  she says.

Most significantly, Moore notes, the commitment and the drive for change must be integrated in every part of the mining ecosystem.

“It beings at the top,” she says. “IT must be implemented and driven across a companies entire DNA. In every corner of every mine, every boardroom, every meeting, right down to a mine site – there has to be this shared approach to diversity and women.”

One of the biggest challenges, and one that has previously been highlighted by the International Women in Mining, is unconscious bas. Unconcious bias is something that everybody faces, especially in the quest for more diversity.

Melinda challenges us all to indeed challenge our unconscious bias.

“Everyone can help the pipeline challenge. Support the women around you, support them with leadership, with mentoring, with inspiration. Make them role models, show them female role models,” she says.

“As we look to the future, its important that companies and the wider industry looks at hiring for cultural fit and moves away from cultural addition,”

WiM is currently seeking out nominations for the top inspirational women in mining 2018 and you can get involved and nominate a female colleague or player in the industry who inspires you and would inspire others.

Find out more about the Top 100 inspirational Women in Mining at https://www.womeninmining.org.uk/wim-100-nominations/

 

 

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