By Emma Mulwa and Jeronimo Kateya
In Namibia’s vast and mineral-rich landscape, a quiet revolution is underway—one that is challenging the deep-seated norms of the mining industry and empowering women to take their rightful place in it.
Leading this charge is the Women in Mining Association of Namibia (WiMAN), a pioneering organisation founded in 2017 with a singular mission: to promote gender equality and empower women within the Namibian mining sector.
WiMAN’s journey began with the recognition of an evident gender imbalance in mining—a sector traditionally dominated by men. Despite the perception of progress, the statistics tell a different story. While women’s participation in large-scale mining operations has seen a relative increase, their representation in leadership and executive roles remains alarmingly low.
Nationally, women account for about 18% of the mining workforce, yet only around 10% have held executive positions since 2009. This disparity is not unique to Namibia; globally, women typically make up just 10-15% of the mining workforce.
The WiMAN Mission
WiMAN’s 700 members are a testament to the organisation’s growing influence. These women span the spectrum of the industry—from those working in large-scale and small-scale mining operations to aspiring professionals, students, and entrepreneurs providing procurement services.
WiMAN’s strategic focus is clear: attract, retain, and advance women in the mining sector through leadership commitment, socio-economic empowerment, and mentorship programs designed to tackle unconscious bias and foster diversity from an early age.
At the helm of WiMAN is Zenzi Natasha Awases, a leader who is as passionate as she is determined. Awases advocates for a paradigm shift in the mining sector, one that goes beyond mere participation to ensure that women are seen, heard, and empowered. “The fact that you are seeing more female participation in the mining sector does not mean that gender equality has been achieved,” Awases affirms. Under her leadership, WiMAN has laid out a five-year strategic plan that emphasizes collaborative solutions and collective responsibility.
The organisation’s mission is ambitious but vital: to empower women not just to participate, but to thrive, innovate, and lead within Namibia’s mining industry. WiMAN has already made significant strides in promoting women’s leadership and entrepreneurship, but the road to true equality is long and burdened with challenges.
Tackling Systemic Challenges
The underrepresentation of women in mining reflects broader, systemic gender disparities that have deep historical and cultural roots. Mining has long been perceived as a physically demanding, male-oriented field—a narrative reinforced by outdated laws and societal norms. This has resulted in a persistent gender gap at the executive level, where crucial decisions are made.
WiMAN is determined to demolish these barriers. The organisation advocates for corporate policies that promote diversity and inclusion, urging mining companies to implement initiatives that increase gender representation at all levels. By doing so, WiMAN believes the industry can not only achieve its goals but also foster a more innovative and inclusive environment.
A Broader Shift Across Africa
WiMAN’s efforts are part of a larger, continent-wide movement toward gender equality. Research indicates that Africa is undergoing a paradigm shift in its approach to empowering women, particularly in traditionally male-dominated sectors like mining. While education remains a critical factor, the growing influence of women entrepreneurs is driving economic growth across the continent.
Sub-Saharan Africa now leads the world in women’s entrepreneurial activity, with countries like Botswana, South Africa, and Ghana at the forefront. According to the 2021 Mastercard Index, Africa boasts the highest female entrepreneurship rate globally, with 26% of women actively engaged in entrepreneurial ventures. However, despite these advances, access to funding remains a significant barrier—a challenge that WiMAN is keen to address.
A Summit to Empower
In celebration of its seventh anniversary and to further its mission, WiMAN is planning a landmark event: the Women in Mining Summit, scheduled for the 16th and 17th of October 2024 in Windhoek. The summit, themed “ Empowerment through Excellence: Leading Change in Extractive & Energy Sectors,” will serve as a platform to bridge the gap between mining entrepreneurs, financiers, potential investors, and industry leaders.
This summit is more than just a meeting—it’s a call to action. It seeks to foster dialogue, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas, all with the goal of advancing gender equality in the mining sector. Awases and her team see it as a crucial step in creating an industry where women are not just participants, but leaders and innovators.
Looking Ahead
WiMAN’s story is one of resilience, determination, and hope. In an industry that has long been the domain of men, WiMAN is proving that women have a vital role to play. The road to gender equality may be long, but with organisations like WiMAN leading the charge, the future looks brighter than ever.
As Namibia’s mining sector continues to evolve, the contributions of women will be increasingly recognised—not just as workers, but as leaders who are shaping the industry’s future. WiMAN is not just reshaping the mining industry; it is inspiring a new generation of women to break barriers and redefine what is possible.
