The Women in Mining Association of Namibia (WiMAN), in partnership with Consolidated Copper Corp (CCC), launched its flagship Mentoring Programme last Friday, ahead of the International Day for Women in Mining (IDWIM) observed on 15 June.
This new initiative is specifically designed to accelerate the advancement of women into leadership roles across Namibia’s mining sector. It aims to foster a self-sustaining, intergenerational network by providing crucial opportunities and encouraging former mentees to transition into future mentors.
The programme underscores WiMAN’s commitment to empowering women and promoting their professional growth within the industry.
In its broader commitment to developing local talent and building a more inclusive mining workforce, CCC provided the initial seed funding and customised the online mentoring platform for the WiMAN. The CC’s Peer Pioneers Online Platform will be made available to the Association for the first three years.
Shaped through broad industry consultation, inclusive of young professionals, entrepreneurs, academics, and mining employers, the programme intends to reflect real-world needs, industry consultations, and workplace realities.
According to the WiMAN, the programme will pair seasoned professionals, university students, early-career professionals, and women in mining-related enterprises with mentors from across the industry to help build lasting careers, grow their confidence, and find opportunities in the mining sector.
Its impact will be measured through an annual assessment and tracking progress, identifying areas for improvement and innovation.
The IDWIM highlights contributions, challenges, and achievements of women in the mining industry. WiMAN joined the rest of the world in celebrating these achievements, raising awareness, encouraging inclusion, and advocating for change. Therefore, by recognising and uplifting women in mining, IDWIM contributes to a more diverse, innovative, and sustainable industry.
Zenzi Awases, WiMAN President, explained that the programme was intentionally designed to include women involved in the mining sector from seasoned professionals and small-scale miners to gemstone traders, mining-related entrepreneurs, and aspiring youth.
Furthermore, by pairing mentorship with leadership coaching and introducing STEM Clubs in schools, WiMAN not only creates opportunities but builds a pipeline of empowered women who will shape the future of mining in the country and beyond.
“This first-of-its-kind mentorship platform that is being launched aims to support women in advancing their careers, gaining leadership skills, and overcoming industry challenges,” she added.
“I am excited to meet the incredible women who will be part of this programme. It’s not just about offering them skills, it’s about giving them the chance to build real networks, receive hands-on guidance, and feel like they truly belong in an industry where they’ve been overlooked for too long,” expressed Yolande Stegmann, interim Chief Operating Officer for Consolidated Copper Corp.
