Building Momentum for Change in 2025
The first month of 2025 has already brought with it a surge of energy, resilience, and action from women around the globe, and I've felt it through conversations and moments with women in mining. At a time when global movements for inclusion are facing setbacks, women in this sector are proving that their voices, leadership, and influence are more essential than ever to shaping the future.
Recent global developments have been unsettling. The U.S. election has signalled a massive rollback of progress on women’s rights on many fronts, with one being merit-based hiring practices replacing intentional inclusion strategies—undermining years of work to address systemic inequalities. High-profile class action lawsuits have served as a reminder of the need to hold industries accountable for creating safer, more inclusive workplaces and that men and women are tired of being silent.
Yet, as someone recently told me, sometimes it takes an earthquake to shake us out of complacency. This shake-up has sparked a renewed commitment to change across industries—and mining is no exception.
The Rise of Women’s Leadership in Mining
In the face of these challenges, women are stepping up with determination. Conversations about diversity in leadership, team performance, and decision-making have reached new heights. Study after study continues to highlight the tangible benefits of diverse teams, and women in mining are leading the charge to embed these principles into corporate culture and boardrooms.
Moreover, women are not only asking for a seat at the table—they are building their own tables. Communities of women are forming at an incredible pace, creating networks that foster connection, mentorship, and collective impact. This is evident in our own growth at The Femina Collective in 2025 as we have watched our broader community grow by over 150% in the last 12 months. We are one of many movements supporting women to take up space and feel empowered to own their talent and presence. These movements are driving real change, amplifying women’s voices and ensuring they are not just heard, but acted upon.
Investing in the Future of Mining
Recently I spoke at AME Roundup to share my thoughts on the role women play in mining investment. I was delighted and validated to see the exciting shifts happening right now is the rise of non-brokered retail investor deals. This development is making it easier for women to enter the mining investment space, where historically, men have dominated decision-making roles. The numbers didn't lie - there was a massive surge in individuals putting their hard earned dollars back into mining, however it was unclear what the demographic breakdown was for those deals - though I'm sure we could all take a guess. For mining to thrive and meet the demands of the energy transition, women must have equal access to investment opportunities and decision-making power.
Women investing in mining are not only diversifying financial backing but also contributing to a more holistic approach to risk management and sustainability. As the mining industry evolves to meet critical mineral needs, we must ensure that women are positioned as investors, stakeholders, and decision-makers to drive innovation and long-term success.
A Moment of Momentum
The energy in the mining sector right now is palpable. Women are showing up with strength, conviction, and unity, proving that their power is not just individual but collective. Through community building, intentional advocacy, and bold leadership, women are making waves that will continue to ripple throughout the year—and far beyond.
This is a pivotal time for the industry, and for women’s role in it. By amplifying our voices, investing in the future, and continuing to show up for one another, we can create the change we know is possible. We aren't simply a DEI measure, we are 50% of the population, our opportunities should be equal.
As we move further into 2025, let’s harness this momentum. Let’s celebrate the progress we’ve made, acknowledge the work still to be done, and continue to challenge the status quo.
Here’s to the incredible women of mining—leading the way and shaping the future.
