Women’s growing role in South Africa’s mining sector is raising critical gender issues both in the industry itself and in broader society, according to Bjanka Korb, a senior environmental engineer at SRK Consulting.
Speaking at a United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) webinar recently, Korb emphasised the importance of recent industry initiatives in South African to promote diversity and inclusion. Crucial social issues like gender-based violence were high on the list of priorities to be addressed.
“With women making up only about 12% of mining employment in the country, there is still huge scope for the industry to benefit from women’s contribution,” she said. “However, various factors discourage women from entering the sector, and from advancing once they are there.”
The historically male-dominated environment still creates unnecessary hurdles for women, she noted. These range from practical issues such as ablution facilities and access to personal protective equipment (PPE) that is suitable for women, to unconscious bias on the part of men in decision-making positions.
“The challenges for women are clearly different on mines themselves, compared to office-based functions or ancillary services,” she said. “A range of initiatives and approaches is therefore necessary, but they all need to be driven by a strategic commitment embraced by everyone involved in the sector.”
SRK Contributors:
Vasanthie Maharaj, Ashleigh Maritz, Lisl Fair, Bjanka Korb
Read the full article on African Mining Online
