International Women in Mining Day 2023

Mining is one of the oldest professions in the world and still one of the most important ones to support a global insatiable appetite for everything from luxury goods to smart phones and basics like electricity. Increasingly, women have been playing a pivotal role in the sector, but it has been long and slow. On this International Women in Mining Day, however, we proudly recognize the tremendous efforts of WomEng and WomHub in collaboration with our incredible partners in advancing gender diversity and inclusion within the mining sector. Our work has been transformative, understanding the crucial role the sector plays in our continent’s economic development and reimagining what mines of the future will look like. We take stock of the following strides within the mining sector:
 
Commitment to Empower 10,000 Women and Girls: WomEng and WomHub have embarked on an inspiring journey to support 10,000 women and girls through our partnership with De Beers Group under the Building Forever Initiative. This commitment demonstrates our dedication to creating pathways for women to thrive in the mining sector. By providing mentorship, educational programmes, and leadership opportunities, we’re equipping women with the skills and support needed to succeed. What is incredible about the partnership is the holistic approach to building the entire ecosystem to support women and girls in South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Canada, and the UK. The programmes target the entire gamut of women and girls from high school technovation camps to the university fellowship and TVET programmes, to upskilling the sector on cybersecurity skills, that is just on developing talent in the sector. In a world increasingly reliant on technology and sustainability, WomEng and WomHub are leading the charge by supporting women entrepreneurs through the Trailblazer Women in Tech and Sustainability Incubator. This ground-breaking initiative provides a nurturing environment for women to develop innovative green tech solutions for the mining industry. By offering mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities, WomEng and WomHub are empowering women to drive positive change in the sector.
 
Talent Development in Diamond Processing with HB Innovation Labs: Recognizing the untapped potential of women in diamond processing, WomHub has partnered with HB to develop and run the HB Innovation Labs to cultivate talent and bridge the gender gap but also support young people in Botswana. Through this collaboration, we developed gender skew programmes that are empowering young women and men to excel in this field. By offering specialized training, mentorship, and access to cutting-edge technology, we are paving the way for more young people to become leaders in diamond processing.
 
Sasol Women in Mining Incubator: To address the unique challenges faced by women in the mining industry, WomHub has collaborated with Sasol to establish the Women in Mining Incubator. This programme fosters a supportive ecosystem for women in mining, providing mentorship, business development support, and access to crucial networks and resources. By empowering women to overcome barriers and unlock their full potential, this incubator plays a pivotal role in advancing gender equality within the mining sector.
 
Having women actively participate in the mining industry is not just a matter of equity, but a strategic imperative. The contributions of women in mining yield multifaceted benefits. On International Women in Mining Day, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of women in mining and the transformative work undertaken by WomEng and WomHub and our partners. Through their commitment to empowering women and girls, fostering talent development, and supporting women entrepreneurs, we are redefining what it means to create impact in this sector, and we are excited to see the ripple effects of our impact. To find out more about our programmes, check out www.womhub.com for details or email us on [email protected]