Press forum focuses on women in the mining industry
“Mining is a male-dominated industry but slowly and surely it’s also being manned by women.”
Thus, declared Shiela May Sanqui, Gender and Development (GAD) focal person, Mines and Geosciences Bureau regional office (MGB-CAR) during the Kapihan sa Baguio on WEmen in the mining industry, March 29, with the them, “WE for gender equality and inclusive society, digit all, innovation and technology for gender equality.”
The Chief Mine Engineer of ISRI (Itogon Suyoc Resources Inc.) Engr. Lyza Dim Apioten, also shared her experience in the company’s mine planning division where she said it can be tough working with men at times since they insist on what they want.
Although Apioten pointed out that communicating is the key when it comes to problems like these, she said it is important for anyone working in the mining industry to remember that it is always a dialogue and you must explain yourself to avoid miscommunication.
“This means that listening and speaking do not go one way, instead, both parties must take part in listening and speaking to make better decisions in the workplace,” she explained.
As for working with a male boss or executive, there seems to be no problem with her as she reiterated that women have to explain themselves clearly and that women can take part in decision-making as this is vital to the “We for gender equality and inclusive society” theme that allows women to take up space and speak their minds to be heard and achieve gender equality.
“With gender equality and inclusivity as the driving force for Women’s Month, technological advancement is a subject that must be discussed as women can also take part and even lead the advancement and use of technology. With the help of technology and innovation, work in the mining sector can become less physical,” Apioten said.
She said that gender equality and inclusive society does not only focus on women but also individuals who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community.
For her part, Sangui said that besides the struggle of women it’s also a struggle for the LGBTQ saying that, “because we all know women were the ones who used to be discriminated against and after women were able to hurdle this challenge, it is now those in the LGBTQ community who are fighting to remove discrimination against them.”
Apioten claimed that in her field, “we don’t look at your gender, we look at your work. They treat you professionally and not based on your gender.”
She revealed that according to records, there has been no discrimination reported in their work area so far. – Joshua Walitang
