AusIMM’s International Women’s Day Event Series champions diversity and inclusion
AusIMM’s International Women’s Day (IWD) Event Series concluded with a sell-out event in Brisbane on Friday, the final of five lunches held across the country that welcomed more than 2000 people to celebrate women’s achievements in resources.
The series has also been a highly visible platform to bring industry leaders together to create change when it comes to diversity and inclusion in the mining sector.
Speaking at the Event Series, AusIMM CEO Stephen Durkin shared insights from AusIMM’s latest Diversity and Inclusion Survey and highlighted the need for ongoing education and training to make the sector safer and more welcoming for everyone.
“It is clear to AusIMM that the biggest challenge our industry faces is not automation, nor barriers to trade, nor commodity prices. It is in fact treating all people with respect. As the peak body and trusted voice for people in resources, AusIMM is deeply committed to playing a leadership role to drive meaningful change.”
Nearly 600 people took part in the AusIMM Diversity and Inclusion Survey at the start of 2023, providing a snapshot of diversity and inclusion challenges in resources.
The Survey gathered a range of responses on key topics that highlighted more attention is needed on issues including bullying and harassment, gender inequality, treatment of LGBTQI+ staff, age discrimination, and workplace flexibility.
AusIMM’s latest survey brings into focus, at a broader industry level, the findings from other reports released in recent years, including Rio Tinto’s ‘Everyday Respect’ report, and the WA Government’s ‘Enough is Enough’ report on sexual harassment against women in the resources sector.
In response to the challenge, AusIMM’s 2023 IWD Event Series included two Diversity and Inclusion Workshops to more than 400 people in Brisbane and Perth. The Workshops focused on psychological safety, what best practice looks like, and the barriers in effectively making workplaces safe and inclusive. In addition, participants undertook bystander training that provided practical tools and techniques to recognise and deal with uncomfortable and difficult situations.
Later this month, AusIMM will be delivering further educational Diversity and Inclusion Masterclasses for industry, helping those who work in the sector to perform the responsibilities of their role in a more inclusive, safe and aware manner.
AusIMM President Nicole Brook said AusIMM’s year-round program of initiatives and activities that support everybody working in mining – from the organisation’s IWD lunch series, to diversity and inclusion training, mentoring programs and more – were a key part of AusIMM’s leadership role.
“Creating these connections and learning opportunities is so important to share knowledge with each other and help drive positive change for everyone in mining,” Ms Brook said.
“Through our leading professional development, we will inform and educate, and build and share practical tools to drive the change that is needed.”
Full results from AusIMM’s Diversity and Inclusion Survey 2023 can be downloaded here.
About AusIMM
The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM) is the peak body and trusted voice for people working in the resources sector. We shape careers, showcase leadership, create communities and uphold industry standards. Representing a global community from 110 countries, we are committed to supporting people working in all aspects of the mining industry.
AusIMM was founded in 1893 and operates under a Royal Charter. We have a global community of members, branches and societies, along with influential partnerships with industry, government, education and the community.