Embracing Authenticity in Mining and Addressing the F-Word

Recently, I had a thought-provoking conversation with a friend and coach about a mantra they often share with their clients to encourage living an authentic life: "nothing to hide, nothing to defend, and nothing to prove." This powerful idea promotes a sense of freedom and self-assurance that many strive to achieve in both personal and professional settings.

However, my friend recently met with several women working in the mining sector and shared a profound realization: "I have been sharing this mantra for years and working with women to live their authentic selves all the time, and after speaking with these women, I realize this is impossible to do in their jobs."

As we discussed this, I found myself nodding in agreement. Women in mining, especially as they advance to more senior positions, still face the very challenges this mantra seeks to overcome. They continually feel the need to prove their worth, defend their positions, and hide their more feminine leadership qualities to fit in. The pressure to don a metaphorical armour to secure and maintain their rightful roles is immense, making it incredibly difficult to show up authentically and feel accepted.

The Role of Feminism in Mining

Feminism has an essential place in the mining sector because it advocates for equality and equity for everyone. While progress is being made and women are becoming more visible in various roles within mining, the overall statistics still reflect slow movement. In Canada, women represent about 17% of the mining workforce, and globally, the numbers hover between 12-14%. Although we celebrate even a 1% increase as a step forward, we must ask ourselves if this incremental progress is truly sufficient.

The Persistent Barriers

The barriers women face in mining are no longer surprising. The industry's culture often requires women to conform to traditional, male-dominated norms to be accepted and advance in their careers. This necessity to continuously prove oneself, defend one's position, and hide one's authentic self perpetuates a cycle that hinders genuine progress toward gender equity.

Moving Forward

To foster a truly inclusive environment, the mining sector must embrace feminist principles and actively work towards dismantling these barriers. This means creating spaces where women can lead with authenticity, where their contributions are valued without the need for constant justification, and where diverse leadership styles are recognized as strengths rather than liabilities.

To Sum It Up

As we continue to push for equality in the mining sector, let us remember that authenticity should not be a luxury but a fundamental right. By challenging the status quo and advocating for systemic changes, we can move closer to a future where everyone in mining, regardless of gender, can live and work authentically, with nothing to hide, nothing to defend, and nothing to prove.