The Future Boardroom: A Feminist Perspective
We’ve hosted three incredible events in our Q4 of 2024 dinner series and attended the inaugural Women Get On Board Inc. (WGOB) Vancouver Summit, where connecting with many talented women from diverse sectors brought incredible energy and insight. Amid the discussions, one theme rose repeatedly: governance and the structure of our boardrooms.
As we consider the future, the question lingers—do women fit into the current vision, or are we here to shape it?
For me, the focus has always been on the mining industry and increasing women's participation across all levels—from investment and ownership to leadership roles. The progress of women in boardrooms, especially in mining, has grown in recent years, but it’s clear that there’s still much to be done. The latest ESG Mining Company Index sheds light on the numbers, revealing that women still occupy fewer than a quarter of board seats in major mining companies. These statistics aren't just numbers; they’re indicators of a broader conversation about governance and who gets a seat at the table.
As Dr. Deborah Rosati FCPA, FCA, ICD.D, GCB.D, CCB.D often reminds us: “One woman is token, two is a voice, three is a movement.” Yet, too often, a small handful of highly qualified women are tapped to hold multiple board seats, creating visibility but at a personal and professional toll. This trend, while understandable in some respects, limits opportunities for new voices and fresh perspectives. How do we balance experience with expansion? How do we ensure that these influential women leverage their positions to open doors for others, diversifying boardrooms with intention rather than obligation?
Thinking about these questions, I believe a feminist lens in governance—a perspective that prioritizes inclusion, equity, and the courage to see value in the unexpected - is necessary. Bringing diversity to the table should go beyond a checklist and instead be part of a vision that reflects a company’s commitment to resilience and innovation. The ESG Mining Company Index emphasizes that organizations with greater gender diversity show stronger ESG performance, aligning with an increasingly purpose-driven investment landscape. We know this because we have been saying it for decades. For mining, an industry crucial to the energy transition, this connection between diverse governance and long-term sustainability is paramount.
Board roles should be more than the next step in an executive’s career; they should be purposeful and strategic, bringing together a mix of individuals to help companies thrive in evolving environments. This includes gender diversity, age diversity, race, and abilities diversity—factors that, combined, position a board to face both today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities.
As we continue this conversation, my challenge to my peers and industry leaders is this: let’s not just imagine a future boardroom with greater diversity. Let’s actively build it by encouraging mentorship, championing new leaders, and embracing a governance style that’s not afraid to think differently. The future of mining and many other industries depends on it. Together, let’s make this a movement—one seat, one voice, one action at a time.
