2023-05-26 12:57:15
For almost half of the women employed in the mining sector in Mexico, the lack of an inclusive work culture and equal opportunities are among the main challenges for their development, according to a survey carried out by consultancy firm KPMG.
The study, Women in the Mining Industry in Mexico 2023, was carried out jointly with the chamber of mines (Camimex) in January and February and involved 1,230 women. The aim was to analyze the development of women in mining from an inclusion and equality perspective.
What is the first edition of the survey revealed that 47% of the sample identified the lack of an inclusive and equal work culture in terms of opportunities among the main challenges for their development, while 51% cited achieving a balance between personal and professional life.
They were followed by adapting to the changes that affect the sector, mentioned by 37% of respondents, and being given male support, regardless of the hierarchy, with 34%.
“The above highlights the importance of having action plans and commitments to face these challenges that continue to be a barrier to the entry and permanence of female talent in the sector,” highlights the KPMG study.
The results appear to back the claim made last week by the president of the NGO Mujeres WIM de México, Doris Vega, that close to 40% of the companies that operate in the country’s mining sector do not carry out gender equality actions.
CONSEQUENCES
The survey also highlights that “the lack of attention to issues of diversity, equality and inclusion can generate serious consequences for the entities, including a deterioration in efficiency and productivity, an increase in the probability of errors, accidents, turnover and a loss of talent.”
The women were asked if there were standards in their company to ensure equal pay. Of those responding, 42% acknowledged that they do exist but also that they present areas for improvement, while 35% said standards exist and are respected, and 10% said it is still necessary to make progress to match other sectors.
“The fact that the majority (77%) recognize that these standards exist is an incentive to continue advancing towards the construction of a more inclusive sector,” the study states.
Camimex records show that 66,037 women worked in the sector in 2021, up 14.2% on 2020, while their participation in total mining-metallurgical employment rose to a 16.3%. Employment figures for 2022 have not yet been updated.
The chamber and KPMG concluded that the data is “positive” but “highlights the need for a greater commitment to equality.”
In photo: A worker at Minera Cuzcatlán