25 Oct 2023

The second edition of the Facets Conference in Gaborone, Botswana, provided an inspiring platform for influential women leaders to unite in support of gender equality and inclusivity within the mining industry.

This pivotal panel discussion offered a comprehensive view of the challenges, triumphs, and opportunities for women in this traditionally male-dominated sector. BOPA delved into the enlightening discussion with these trailblazing women.

Ms Mmasekgoa Masire-Mwamba, Ambassador of Botswana to Belgium, initiated the discussion by delving into the transformative journey of women in the mining industry.

She reflected on the lingering questions that have spanned over three decades.

“First, did women possess the capability, the stamina, and the wherewithal to excel in this sector? Second, was it their rightful place to deliver in this industry?”

Ms Masire-Mwamba wondered. “Yes, women can indeed deliver, and their exemplary contributions across a multitude of fields attest to their competence,” she said.

Moreover, she underscored the substantial backing women have garnered within the sector, stating that advocacy, support groups, and a multitude of male champions ardently advocate women’s empowerment in mining.

Ms Boikanyo Kgosi, Senior Human Resources Manager at Debswana, acknowledged the instrumental role of men in fostering a more inclusive environment for women in mining.

She urged for intentionality in creating programmes and frameworks to ensure diversity and inclusion.

“It’s not just about acknowledging the need for diversity and inclusion but about actively implementing programmes and frameworks that guide the execution of plans aimed at boosting diversity across all intersections, be it gender parity, age, or other facets of diversity,” she said.

Ms Kgosi said genuine inclusion transcends mere hiring and extends to ensuring every individual feels a sense of belonging within the mining industry.

Ms Esther Kanaimba-Senai, head of Women in Mining Botswana Organization (WIMBO), provided a profound insight into the organization’s mission and vision.

“WIMBO stands as a relentless advocate for the empowerment of women across the entire mining value chain, and even within the energy and extractive industry,” she said.

WIMBO strives to witness a substantial upswing in the number of women-owned businesses and leadership roles in the mining sector.

“We aspire to witness more women occupying leadership positions, becoming integral service providers, and establishing themselves as prominent business owners within the mining industry,” she added.

Ms Kanaimba-Senai emphasized the significance of collaborating with the mining community members to ensure that women received their due share of the benefits from the mining industry.

Ms Nomalungelo Stofile, Founder of Sunrise Gems and President of Young Diamond Beneficiaries in South Africa, embarked on a remarkable journey to become a first-generation diamond trader.

Her story began with a heartfelt connection to the diamond industry, sparked by her father’s profession.

Ms Stofile shared her inquisitive nature and the countless questions she posed about the diamond mining industry during her visits to her father’s workplace in Kimberley.

Her relentless curiosity eventually led her to take the path less travelled.

This triggered her journey, beginning with enrolling in a rough evaluation course, followed by a polishing course, and eventually securing a business license to trade.

In addition to her educational journey, Ms Stofile credited mentorship and community support as pivotal factors in her success.

“It takes a village to raise a business that can be sustainable,” she said.

Her journey took a significant leap when she became a part of the State Diamond Trader Enterprise Development Programme, where she spent approximately three years at KGK, comprehensively learning the diamond value chain.

Furthermore, she was accepted into the De Beers Enterprise Development Programme, where she continues her learning journey.

“We need to learn the trade of diamonds, the business of diamonds, and we need to challenge the status quo,” she said.

The panel discussion, with Stofile’s inspiring narrative at its heart, underscored the significance of mentorship, education, and support in navigating the complex terrain of the diamond industry.

Iris van der Veken, Executive Director and Secretary-General of the Watch and Jewelry Initiative 2023, shared her extensive insights on the importance of networks and mentorship in propelling women’s mining careers to the pinnacle of success.

The Watch and Jewelry Initiative 2023 aims to unite the Watch and Jewelry brands committing to ambitious goals while collaborating on projects that deliver impact along the value chain.
Van der Veken highlighted the need for women leaders to give back.

“If one has the privilege and opportunity to grow and evolve, it’s also the opportunity to give back,” she said.

Her belief was rooted in the idea that individuals who ascend to leadership positions should consciously examine the table they are seated at and take deliberate measures to foster diversity and inclusivity.

Van der Veken emphasized that creating a culture of mentorship and advocacy was essential.

“Leaders, whether men or women, have to lead by example and sometimes even admit when they have erred,” she said. “It’s a learning curve, and that honesty is important.” ENDS