In South Africa, women who work in the traditionally male-dominated mining sector face many challenges. Despite this, they have a long history in the mining sector. Even before the Mine Health & Safety Act of 1996 formally lifted the prohibition on women working underground, there were already women working in above-ground positions.
Over the past 20 years, the number of female employees in the mining industry has risen to over 53,000. But although the industry as a whole is working to attract more women, there are still a lot of obstacles, many stemming from society’s perceptions surrounding both women and mining.
To change outcomes, we first need to change mindsets, both within the industry and in broader society. At Anglo American, we’re serious about promoting equality, and we know that women are capable of doing anything they put their minds to. That’s why we are working to remove the obstacles that women face, from the rock face to the boardroom.
In the words of Anglo American South Africa Deputy Chairman Norman Mbazima: “Employment equity is made real by people who understand that growing the role of women at all levels of their organisation contributes not only to the health, capability and competitiveness of a company, but also to its bottom line.”
This women’s month, we’re introducing some of the exceptional women who work at our operations. These women are breaking boundaries and proving that there are no limits to what they can accomplish.
And they want to encourage young women to do the same.