An Open Letter to Women in the Mining Industry
It’s time we have a candid conversation about how we interact with and support each other within our field. We need to move beyond the competition and rivalry that have historically plagued our relationships and embrace a culture of mutual support and collaboration.
The belief that success necessitates enduring the same hardships or adopting patriarchal strategies is ingrained in us. We've been conditioned to think that in order to succeed, we must 'play the game' like men, vying for attention and respect in a male-dominated industry. But this approach isn't working. Instead of fostering solidarity, it often pits us against each other, perpetuating harmful stereotypes that women in mining are catty, competitive, and unsupportive.
This has to change. We must fully lean into supporting each other, promoting each other, and lifting each other up. Our industry is challenging enough without the added pressure of internal competition. The reality is that we all belong here. Together, we can create a mining industry that is welcoming, warm, and safe for all women, regardless of our different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
I have heard countless stories of women who have been wholeheartedly supported by their male counterparts and have benefitted from male mentors and sponsors. Yet, the hardest challenges often arise from relationships with other women. This shouldn’t be the case. We need to change the narrative and build stronger, more supportive networks among ourselves.
The pie is big enough for everyone. There is space for all of us to thrive. By fostering a culture of collaboration and mutual support, we can ensure that the next generation of women in mining enters an industry that is more inclusive, equitable, and supportive.
Let's commit to uplifting one another. Let's be each other's advocates and allies. Together, we can create a brighter, more inclusive future for women in mining.
We can do it,
