Women in Mining and resources Queensland (WIMARQ)

🏆 Celebrating Women in Resources

On April 2nd, the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) and Women in Mining and Resources Queensland (WIMARQ) came together to proudly host the 🏆 Resources Awards for Women. The event showcased a compelling panel of speakers who offered valuable insights into gender equity and inclusion within the resources sector.

One key takeaway from the discussion was a strong consensus that women should not shy away from speaking up and asserting themselves. In fact, fostering a supportive environment 🫶—where women feel safe to voice their opinions and share their career aspirations—is essential.

To that end, several strategies were recommended. For instance, practical steps towards empowerment and visibility included:

• joining networks;
• engaging in the industry;
• pursuing ongoing education;
• and creating senior-led mentoring groups led by women.

Historically, the mining industry employed very few women, most of whom occupied roles in administration or payroll. However, times have changed. Today, women make up approximately 22% of the mining workforce, contributing not only in support roles but also as team leaders, tradespeople, and even diesel fitters. Although progress has been slow, it is undeniably underway.

Moreover, tangible improvements have been made to enhance mine amenities for women—such as better changing rooms and toilets—while more subtle changes, including the removal of explicit posters from breakrooms, signal a cultural shift toward greater inclusivity.

When considering a career in male-dominated industries, women are encouraged to assess the company’s leadership structure and visualise themselves thriving within it. From a recruitment perspective, it has become increasingly clear that a male-dominated workforce can pose challenges in attracting female talent. This is especially true as younger generations prioritise equity, diversity, and community.

Furthermore, while some leaders still focus exclusively on hiring for talent, they may overlook the critical value of diverse perspectives. Although talent is undoubtedly important, there is now a growing recognition of the need for diversity of thought within organisations.

In addition, it’s important to challenge outdated perceptions of leadership. Traditional models often reward assertiveness and dominance, yet this can marginalise both women and men who demonstrate more collaborative or empathetic leadership styles—unfairly labelling them as weak or ineffective.

👏 Representing Pacific People Solutions

Our Marketing Manager, Rani Fouladoux, was delighted to attend the event and listen to such thought-provoking conversations from inspiring speakers. ☺️