The story of Women in Mining Ghana (WIM Ghana) is a testament to vision, resilience, and purposeful action. It begins in a sector historically dominated by men, where women’s contributions were often overlooked or underutilized. Established in 2015, WIM Ghana emerged from a collective desire to create a platform that advocates for gender equity, fosters leadership among women in the mining industry, and opens doors for young girls to participate meaningfully in mining and STEM-related fields. In its earliest form, WIM Ghana was inspired by global movements advocating for women’s participation in extractive industries. The initial founders pioneering women professionals, academics, policymakers, and industry players recognized the significant gender imbalance in Ghana is mining sector and decided to act. They envisioned an inclusive future where women were not only present but also influential across all areas of mining, from exploration and geology to engineering, finance, environmental management, and community engagement.
From 2015, the group focused on institutional formation, awareness creation, and stakeholder engagement. During this period, WIM Ghana actively collaborated with the Minerals Commission, Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, academic institutions, and development partners to map out the challenges and opportunities for women in the industry. These efforts culminated in the formal launch of WIM Ghana as a recognized professional body and advocacy group. A major milestone was the development of a national database of women working in various aspects of the mining industry. This mapping exercise not only highlighted the gender gaps but also enabled WIM Ghana to identify key areas for intervention such as skills development, mentorship, and policy engagement.
In the years that followed, WIM Ghana introduced strategic programs to solidify its impact. One notable initiative was the WIM Ghana Junior Club, which targeted high school girls, especially in mining communities, with career guidance, mentorship, and exposure to science and technology fields. This initiative became a flagship youth empowerment program that helped demystify the mining industry for girls and inspired many to pursue STEM careers.
WIM Ghana has also played a critical role in national dialogues on mining governance. Members of the organization have participated in consultative sessions on mining policies, gender mainstreaming strategies, and environmental reforms. Their voices have contributed to shaping gender-sensitive frameworks, including advocating for maternity-friendly workplace policies, inclusive recruitment processes, and safety for women miners.
In 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, WIM Ghana demonstrated adaptability and resilience by transitioning many of its programs online. Virtual conferences, webinars, and digital campaigns allowed the organization to maintain momentum while addressing emerging challenges faced by women in mining due to the pandemic. Topics like digital transformation in mining, women’s leadership during crises, and economic resilience became central to discussions.
WIM Ghana remains committed to its core values of empowerment, inclusivity, integrity, collaboration, innovation, sustainability, and excellence. The organization believes that when women rise, the entire mining sector and by extension, the national economy benefits.
For the past decade, WIM Ghana has been dedicated to advancing gender diversity, inclusivity, and empowerment in the mining sector. We have championed policies that support women’s involvement in mining, provided mentorship programs, organized capacity-building initiatives, and advocated for equitable opportunities in this male-dominated industry. Through strategic partnerships, national advocacy, and community outreach, we have empowered hundreds of women and girls to find their voice and space in the mining value chain.