Launching Women in Mining 2022
Women in Mining 2022 (WIM22) incorporates monthly site-based meetings and quarterly forums to provide networking and development opportunities for women. The initiative has grown from the popular Women in Mining Wednesday lunch established at George Fisher Mine in 2020.
George Fisher Operations Manager, Rebecca Roper said she found women in the business were dealing with similar issues in the workplace, but despite working in the same building, often they had never met.
“This is what compelled me to introduce Women in Mining Wednesdays,” Rebecca says.
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Rebecca Roper, Manager George Fisher Operations, the driving force behind Women in Mining Wednesdays.
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Left to right: Maria Cola Acosta and Billie Andrade WIM22 committee members.
“We wanted to create a collaborative space in which to inspire, motivate and encourage women in our workforce.”
“The monthly meetings started as an informal lunch gathering one Wednesday a month, bringing together female employees in an informal space to discuss relatable topics and issues.”
Superintendent Mechanical Maintenance, Copper Concentrator, Monica Joseph has also been instrumental in bringing women together, hosting similar informal networking gatherings.
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Left to right: Sarah Murphy, Ally McDonough, Izzy Spiers and Lucy Barrie enjoy catching up.
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Sharing lunch at the WIM22 quarterly forum launch.
The WIM22 Committee now provides a coordinated approach to meetings across site. The committee members are: Kashaan Stoker, Tanya Cambetis, Daisy Ambach, Caroline Lucas, Billie Andrade, Desiree Eramus, Maria Cola Acosta and Amy Laurenson.
Some events host informal conversations about relevant topics, while others invite external guest speakers.
The inaugural quarterly WIM22 event was launched in May, where guest speaker Michael Croaker inspired the audience by sharing his 'Five Pillars of Effective Communication' in a fun-based coaching session.
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Monica Joseph, Superintendent Mechanical Maintenance, Copper Concentrator addresses the forum.
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Special guest speaker Michael Croaker at the WIM 22 quarterly forum in May.
WIM22 Committee member, Amy Laurenson said it was pleasing to see a wide cross-section of the workforce become members.
“We have truck drivers, metallurgists, electrical engineers, chem lab employees, administrators, graduates and water planners,” Amy says.
“Membership is not limited to women. We value the contribution from men who champion these initiatives and encourage them to join in and participate.”
WIM22 monthly meetings and quarterly forums are hosted within work hours. Employees wanting further information are encouraged to contact one of the WIM22 committee members.