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"Global Mining Descisions in Your Palms"
“Mining companies that actively include women in decision-making processes tend to have stronger relationships with local communities. The involvement of women can foster a more sustainable approach to mining operations.”
Laura Nicholson,
Head of Content & Strategic Partnerships,
Mining Indaba.
As Africa’s mining industry undergoes a profound transformation, one significant driving force is the increasing empowerment of women in this historically male-dominated sector. The collaboration between Mining Indaba and the Association of Women in Mining in Africa (AWIMA) marks a pivotal moment, highlighting the essential role of women in shaping the future of mining across the continent. With the Mining Indaba 2025 theme, “Future-proofing African Mining, Today!”, the focus shifts to not only advancing the industry but also promoting sustainability and gender equality.
This partnership with AWIMA is set to elevate the visibility of women in mining, showcasing their contributions as key players in the push for a more inclusive, innovative, and environmentally conscious future. Mining Indaba aims to foster open dialogue, unite industry leaders, and celebrate the achievements of women who, despite challenges, continue to drive progress. Zeinab El-Sayed, head of government partnerships at Mining Indaba, noted “Mining Indaba is honoured to partner with AWIMA to celebrate and shine a spotlight on the remarkable contributions of African women in the mining sector. These women bring essential expertise and skills to the industry, driving progress and innovation while overcoming significant challenges.”
The narrative of women in mining is shifting, as this collaboration pushes for a more supportive environment that encourages growth and development, particularly for young women entering the sector. To address the challenges women face, it is crucial to implement policies that foster inclusivity and cultivate positive workplace cultures. Empowering future generations of women requires not only giving them a voice but also ensuring they have the tools to overcome obstacles and thrive. This is part of a broader effort to create a more sustainable and successful mining sector in Africa.
One of the key messages from this collaboration is the role of mining companies in fostering community development. As companies operate within local communities, there is a growing need for them to actively engage in creating inclusive environments. This means supporting women who may be at a disadvantage due to social and economic factors. As Laura Nicholson, Mining Indaba’s Head of Content & Strategic Partnerships, pointed out, “Mining companies that actively include women in decision-making processes tend to have stronger relationships with local communities. The involvement of women can foster a more sustainable approach to mining operations.”
Nicholson emphasizes that including women in mining operations brings fresh perspectives, driving innovation and enhancing operational efficiency. Additionally, women’s leadership in the sector is increasingly being recognized and supported by international institutions and governments, which are investing in gender equality initiatives. Mining Indaba and AWIMA are at the forefront of pushing for a sector where women’s leadership is not only encouraged but prioritized.
A flagship event in this movement will be the Women in Mining Association of Namibia’s (WiMAN) summit, held from October 16-17, 2024. With the theme “Empowerment through Excellence: Leading Change in Extractive & Energy Sectors”, this event, supported by Mining Indaba, will bring together women professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders in the mining and energy industries. Zenzi Awases, Vice President of AWIMA, calls the summit “groundbreaking,” noting that it aims to inspire women to take up leadership roles and shape Africa’s future.
As Africa strengthens its infrastructure and grows its role in the global mining sector, women must not be left behind. This partnership between Mining Indaba and AWIMA represents a significant step toward ensuring that women are central to the future of mining in Africa. With a strong focus on empowerment, leadership, and inclusivity, the future of African mining will undoubtedly be shaped by those who can innovate and lead, and women are poised to be at the heart of that transformation.
In the words of Zeinab El-Sayed, “Their impact is profound, their potential limitless, and their journey a powerful reminder that when women succeed, we all succeed.”