Jakarta, September 12, 2023— The mining industry is known for its harsh and potentially dangerous working environment. This condition sticks with the widespread “mining is the men’s world” stereotype; creating a masculine and gender-biased work culture that prevents women from entering or developing. The opinion of some people who doubt women’s technical and scientific abilities also worsens the situation-not to mention the lack of facilities for women workers. Consequently, women are often overlooked for career opportunities in the industry.
Research from McKinsey & Company shows that women only make up around 8-17 percent of the total labor force in the mining industry worldwide. This figure reflects a significant imbalance when compared to other sectors. The main causes of women’s low participation in this sector are gender stereotypes, lack of support from company policies, and an unfriendly working environment for women.
According to the same institution, companies that are more inclusive and have better gender diversity tend to perform better financially. Gender diversity can increase innovation, creativity, and better decision-making at all levels of the organization. In this regard, PT Sumbawa Timur Mining (STM) is on the right path with its inclusive women program.
STM is committed to nurturing diversity by implementing policies and programs that support the growth of female workers. STM ensures that workplace facilities, including changing rooms, toilets, and nursing rooms, are available and comfortable for female workers. Additionally, STM enforces strict policies against discrimination and harassment in the workplace, provides reporting channels for unethical actions, and offers insights on integrity and inclusivity to all employees.
Currently, female workers at STM make up 25 percent of the total number of employees—higher than the global mining industry average. To ensure diversity is maintained, STM implements gender-neutral recruitment and provides equal competition opportunities for all its employees in career development. Training and career development programs are available regardless of gender, aimed at helping women have the same opportunities as their male colleagues in exploring their potential and developing their managerial and leadership skills.
Through these initiatives, STM strives to create a fair and supportive work environment for all employees, with the long-term goal of increasing the participation and representation of women in the mining industry. To strengthen this commitment, STM also provides opportunities for competent female workers to take on leadership roles. The percentage of women in leadership positions at STM currently stands at 30 percent.
STM provides space for women workers to develop themselves through various trainings.
-Aziza Hasna, HR Deparment.
One of STM’s women workers at the Hu’u Project, Aziza Hasna, says that she can work with a sense of security because the company pays close attention to employee safety. “STM has a good work culture with the Golden Rules as a guide for every employee, not just women workers, but for all employees. This makes us feel protected and safe at work,” said the Human Resources Department team member.
Moreover, she said that STM provides space for women workers to develop themselves through various trainings. Some time ago, she attended a business ethics training held in Jakarta. In addition, there are still various other types of training that can be utilized to develop self-potential, which is tailored to the interests and talents of each employee. “That’s one of the facilities to support women who work at STM,” said Aziza.
STM demonstrates its strong commitment to create an inclusive work environment and support women workers through these initiatives. Supportive policies towards women workers are believed to not only strengthen gender equality and equity but also improve performance and innovation in the company. By providing full support to women workers, STM strives to set an example for the rest of the mining industry in terms of inclusivity and diversity.
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