"Mining sector exceeds 10% female employment target but sexual harassment, other challenges linger", 11 Dec 2015
There are still significant challenges faced by women in the South African mining industry, despite the intake of women into the sector being higher than the percentage targeted by the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR), says University of Cape Town sociology lecturer Asanda Benya…Since 1994, the South African government has consistently developed legislative and policy frameworks that aim to strengthen gender equality and, subsequently, the participation of women in mining…[T]he representation of women in the mining industry had increased to 10.5% by the end of 2014, compared with 6% in 2009…Benya highlighted that amid harsh conditions underground, some of the challenges that women faced included restrictions to nearby accommodation, such as hostels, and sexual harassment…“If mining projects are not inclusive and sustainable – including employment practices that are gender sensitive and community investments that impact positively on gender equality and women’s empowerment – there are real risks to social stability, inclusive growth and development, and even security,” said UN Women executive director…
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