THE HEALTH OF THE SECTOR LIES IN THE ADVANCEMENT OF WOMEN

The MHSC recently hosted the Women in Mining Indaba Conference on 16-17 February 2023, at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre under the theme “Striving for Zero harm” to recognise the contributions of women in the mining and minerals sector.

The event aimed to establish an empowering network to promote, nurture, and further the progression of female miners within the mining and minerals industry.

Mr David Mamphitha, the CEO of the MHSC, graciously welcomed all the attendees at the 2023 Women in Mining Conference. He pledged his commitment to honouring initiatives that promote the alleviation of issues that women in the mining industry are currently facing.

The two-day women’s conference was an immense success, with various guest speakers focusing on issues pertinent to female workers within the sector. Ms Fatheela Brovko, Chief Research Operating Officer of MHSC, shared a detailed overview of the 2019 Women in Mining Indaba Action Plan.

Additionally, the conference focused on discussion topics such as gender-based violence, sexual harassment in the workplace, mental health, safety, and security, and pre-and postnatal issues experienced by women in the mining industry. Attendees were also allowed to ask the speakers questions during the Q&A session.

The MQA exhibited, alongside Mintek and MHSC, and provided attendees with information regarding the available opportunities and programmes that can contribute to the advancement of women in the mining sector.

Furthermore, several Chairpersons from various areas in SA spoke about their 5-year Strategic Plan to reassure the delegates about the initiatives to ensure women in the mining industry work in better conditions.

To end the conference positively, the MHSC held a celebratory gala dinner to honour women working in the mining and minerals sector.