South Africa is Finding Ways to Make Mines Female Friendly

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. Mining has long been a male-dominated industry in South Africa. Women could not legally work underground until 1996. Women in Mining South Africa launched a mentorship program for 42 young women is also trying to boost the number of women in the industry by providing career booklets to schools about the many diverse jobs that do not require work underground. Positive feedback from this year’s proteges has Women in Mining planning to expand its program. The organization is looking at establishing a mentorship program for mid-career women who want to climb the corporate ladder.

SOURCE: VOA