Traditionally reserved for men, the mining sector seems to be opening up more and more to women. Beyond the clichés that break to let those who venture there prosper, in Gabon, the Minister of Mines and Geology urges women to assert themselves within this so-called enriching sector. Engaged in the He For She program, Elvis Ossindji encouraged the latter on March 23 during a workshop under the theme “Women in the mining sector”.
What is the ratio of women holding jobs in the mining sector in Gabon? Does the policy to promote gender equality keep its promises in this industry? While throughout the world this sector traditionally reserved for men is opening up more and more to women, in Gabon where the answers to these questions are awaited at a time when the promises of the mining sector are arousing much covetousness, the Minister of Mines and Geology invites women to break the glass ceiling to seize the opportunities offered by the mining industry. “Sincerely, ladies, may the Gabonese mining sector be enriched by your presence. We need you,” said Elvis Ossindji.
On March 23, he spoke at a meeting co-organized by his ministerial department under the theme “Women in the mining sector”. A workshop held around discussions deemed constructive and related to career monitoring, female leadership and commitment to local communities. Engaged in the He For She program, he urged women in the mining sector to take advantage of this workshop to reassess their position and their action within the said sector. For him, women working in this sector must be “able to successfully lead teams, make informed decisions and move their businesses forward while maintaining a fulfilling social and family life”.
“Have a career in mining (to) earn a lot of money”
“Your leadership, ladies, is crucial to creating an inclusive and safe work environment where workers feel valued and respected,” said Elvis Ossindji during this meeting where the women were interviewed at length by Julie Shuttleworth AM. A qualified metallurgist and chemist, she has just over 20 years of experience in the mining industry in Australia, China and Tanzania. With Fortescue Metals Group since October 2013, the company in charge of mining the Bélinga iron deposit, his visit to Gabon was deemed appropriate by the Minister of Mines and Geology who wished to benefit from his presence women in the mining sector, both public and private. She encouraged them without flinching.
“We encourage all women to have a career in mining because you can make a lot of money so you can support your families,” Julie Shuttleworth said. “You can have training, you can develop your careers. So it can be very rewarding”, continued the one who since August 2020, has held the position of general manager of Fortescue Future Industries while delivering some little secrets of prosperity to women active in the mining industry. "You still have to work a lot, you have to agree to acquire new qualifications and always work well as a team to help the company," she said.
By Alix-Ida Mussavu
Source : https://www.gabonreview.com
Gabon Review (GABON)
