The mining sector is said to attract more than half of the country’s foreign direct investment and generates about one-third of the export revenue and makes a significant contribution to the GDP, but the involvement of women, especially in the large scale mining is negligible.
To help get more women into the industry, a Civil Society group in Mining is leading an advocacy to effect change.
The mining industry, regardless of its geographical location is male dominated. The trend is however changing with some positive steps to integrate women into the industry.
Canada has shown the way by increasing the recruitment of women in mining. In South Africa, a legislation prohibiting women from working underground was revealed in 2002, with a quota of 10% to increase women involvement in the sector.
Women in Mining Ghana, is demanding a similar policy and has held a forum to encourage stakeholders to join the advocacy to get more women into the industry.
The event was funded by Asanko Gold Ghana, a Canadian mining company. Asanko Gold, has 37 women in its workforce, which is about 10%.
The company wants to boost this low representation through a project known as ‘Botae Pa’, to promote gender parity among others. They have started a mentoring programme by female miners in schools within the company’s catchment area in the Amansie West District in the Ashanti region.
The President of Women in Mining, Ghana, Georgette Sakyi-Addo encouraged women groups to take keen interest in the extractive industry.
It came out during the forum that most females offering mining related courses at the universities were forced to study such courses. And with motivation after graduation, they branch into other professions.
