South Africa: Women Miners in South Africa Break Barriers with Mentors' Help

Aug 9, 2021 | Linda Givetash and Zaheer Cassim
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The mining industry has long been one of South Africa’s largest sectors, but women are still a minority in its workforce. Now, a group called Women in Mining South Africa is trying to change that through a mentorship program to help young women enter the field.

Baile Sebetlele is a geologist for Harmony Gold Mining. Mining seemed a natural career choice for the 29-year-old with interests in science and exploration.

But with women making up less than 15% of the country’s mining workforce, fitting in did not come as easily. She recalls the first day without her male supervisor by her side.