ANGLOGOLD Ashanti has pledged to support the government efforts of empowering women in the mining sector as way of speeding up development.
AngloGold Ashanti’s Vice President for Sustainability & Corporate Affairs (Africa) Mr Simon Shayo said this recently during the International Women’s Day, saying women empowerment in the mining sector is geared towards enhancing gender equality at workplaces.
“Stakeholders and other companies need to collaborate with the government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan to elevate Tanzania as a country that sets an example in addressing gender inequality,” he said.
He stated that Canada, a leading country in mining has 16 per cent female representation in the sector, and Tanzania is making progress in promoting women’s participation in the area through similar initiatives.
“We thank President Samia for continuing to show the way on how women can participate in various leadership positions,” he noted.
He said at AngloGold Ashanti three out of seven top leaders are women, holding important positions such as chief financial officer, Chief Legal Officer and Chief People Officer. He also mentioned that Geita Gold Mine Limited which is the subsidiary of AngloGold is committed to promoting gender diversity in mining, with women making up 13 per cent of the workforce.
“Our objectives include promoting gender equality by providing women with opportunities to hold positions that are traditionally held by men, rather than placing them in support role positions,” he said.
Mr Shayo stated that there were no women in management positions for a period of three to four years. However, thanks to the Female Future Programme run by the Association of Tanzania Employers (ATE), GGML has now appointed two women to the management positions.
