The Unseen Battle: A Collective Voice Against Silence
One of the biggest challenges in male-dominated industries is understanding how women and gender-diverse people move through them. Whether it is the military, infrastructure, politics, or mining, we are only just beginning to authentically enter spaces that were previously inaccessible.
These successes should be celebrated.
Yet, for each success, there is a struggle. These struggles are often untold for fear of not being believed, upsetting the status quo, or career suicide. The Femina Collective took the last year to interview the women of mining to understand how we move through mining, what we experience and or our own misbehaviour.
We appreciate your time in reading our stories to understand our experiences.
Anonymous: The Illusion of Support
“When I stepped forward, I was under the impression that by sharing there would be change, that the board of directors would stand by me. Instead, I found myself ostracized, treated as a contagion to be eradicated. It was a harsh awakening to the reality that, despite thinking I was one of the 'lucky' ones who thought they would be supported, belief and action were far from what I received. It's a cruel irony – we are expected to come forward, yet when we do, the system turns its back on us, protecting itself and the perpetrators at any cost.”
Anonymous: The Hypocrisy of Advocacy
“The discourse around feminism and ‘women supporting women’ often masks a bitter hypocrisy. Behind the scenes the same women shouting these slogans are making deals, protecting reputations of perpetrators, and financial interests are prioritized over integrity. I’ve seen men and women who’ve built reputations as allies and advocates, yet when confronted with the opportunity to act, they choose self-preservation, leaving those who dare to speak out exposed to further harm. This duplicity not only undermines the movement for change but also deepens the wounds of those who have suffered.”
Anonymous: The Cost of Bravery
“No one steps forward with the desire to end their career or engage in a battle with powerful entities. Our decision to come forward is made with eyes wide open, fully aware of the personal and professional costs. Yet, we persist, fueled by the hope that someday, our courage will be met with justice, that our voices will be matched by actions that hold perpetrators accountable, regardless of the financial implications. This system, designed to protect the powerful at the expense of the vulnerable, must be challenged.”
Anonymous: The Reality of Retaliation
“The immediate response to my speaking out was gaslighting and intimidation, an attempt to discredit my experiences as fabrications for personal gain. The insinuation that my ability to continue living, meant I was unaffected and making the whole thing up, only added insult to injury. It’s a stark reminder of the twisted logic used to silence and discredit survivors, further victimizing those who dare to come forward.”
Anonymous: The Family Consideration
“Choosing to speak out wasn’t a decision I could make lightly, knowing all too well the repercussions it would have not just on me, but on my family. The fear of unemployment, the uncertainty of a sham investigation, and the isolation from a workplace that had been a significant part of my life, were burdens too heavy to bear alone. Yet, it was a step I felt compelled to take, despite the daunting reality of the system’s bias against women like me.”
Anonymous: Betrayal Among Women
“Perhaps the most painful part of coming forward is facing the reaction from other women. The dismissive attitudes, the lack of support, and, worst of all, the betrayal when they side with the perpetrator. This abandonment stings deeply, highlighting a divide that should not exist. We expect solidarity, yet find ourselves more isolated by those who should understand our struggle the most.”
Anonymous: The Way I Treated Women
“One of the pieces that I am now coming to terms with is my own behaviour towards other women. As I was progressing through a large, global organization, it became clear that there were limited opportunities for women, either through direct discourse or by seeing the lack of diversity in leadership. Oftentimes, alliances were built and those who were excluded from alliances were treated poorly. While the environment of scarcity was created by the organization, I have had to examine my behaviour and how destructive it was. The guilt I feel regularly shows up as a lack of trust of women and I have had to actively work to dismantle my guilt while rebuilding relationships. I have begun to focus on building an environment of abundance and building trust with myself and others. The sad part is, I have been the perpetrator of irreparable damage with former colleagues.”
Anonymous: Playing The Game
“As my career began to grow, it became clear that I had to play the game to get ahead. Drinking too much at conferences, toeing the line of being friendly or flirty, these were expectations of women within my organization. The longer I stayed, the more I had to come to terms with my behaviour, until I had to make a choice. I could stay and be someone I no longer recognized in an organization that didn’t match my values, or leave for the sake of my own physical and mental health. In the end, I left and for this I am thankful, but I had to learn that organizational loyalty at all costs was a false ideal.”
Conclusion: Healing
Through these diverse yet interconnected stories, the stark reality of the systemic failings and the personal cost of fighting against harassment, bullying, and misconduct comes to light. Each narrative underscores the urgent need for systemic change, not just in policies but in the very culture that perpetuates silence and complicity.
The light at the end of the tunnel is healing. Space from the situation and talking can help, but many women have found that connecting through community is important to their healing process. These women come to understand that they are not alone, that unfortunately, their struggles are shared with others. Finding a safe space can be critical to finding peace, forgiveness, and build a healthy life.
The Femina Collective was created on the foundation of shared experience. We work to radically change women's experience of natural resources, and part of that is understanding the hurt, shame, and sadness that some women feel. We then work with you to help you heal, create a life you love, and celebrate.
Your experiences shape you, but don’t define you. Join us.
