Restrictions: Women And Careers In The Mining World

Photo: Special

JAKARTA - The mining industry is often considered an industry dominated by men, with an image of work that is synonymous with physical strength and a hard work environment. Data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) shows that the number of female workers in the Indonesian mining sector only reaches 115 thousand people, while male workers reach 1.28 million people.

This proportion has even continued to shrink, for the last three years the proportion of female workers in the Indonesian mining industry has only been at 10-11 percent of the total workforce. As one of the companies in the energy sector, PT ABM Investama Tbk (ABMM) realizes the importance of gender equality in this industry.

ABMM President Director, Achmad Ananda Djajanegara, said that gender equality is a key aspect in creating a productive work environment.

"We are committed to ensuring that every individual, regardless of gender, must have equal access to career opportunities in the mining industry," Andi said in a written statement, Thursday, February 13.

ABMM demonstrates its commitment through various programs specifically designed to support the development of women's careers. One of them is the talent and leadership for women program. This program includes technical and managerial skills training, as well as coaching and mentoring to hone women's leadership in the work environment.

"Through various training and mentoring programs, we want to provide full support for women so that they can take an important role in this sector," added Andi.

Efforts to improve gender equality in the mining sector also have support from the government. Gender equality is even included in 17 priority programs by the government. Secretary General of Mineral and Coal of the Directorate General of Mineral and Coal of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) RI, Siti Sumilah Rita Susilawati, emphasized that the government continues to encourage companies to create a more inclusive work environment and open up equal job opportunities. The government is also actively monitoring women's involvement in the mining industry to ensure continuous improvement.

In line with that, the Executive Director of Women in Mining and Energy Indonesia, Noormaya Muchlis, highlighted the importance of encouraging more women to have a career in the mining sector.

"We really support women to maximize their potential and achieve their expected goals and ideals so that the Indonesian nation can become a more developed country. There are many examples of female leaders in Indonesia who continue to have a career but can also succeed in their families at the same time," he said when met at the XY Room discussion event commemorating WiME 6th Anniversary, Sunday 9 February.

Women's participation in the mining industry has a significant positive impact. In addition to enriching the perspective on decision making, the presence of women also creates a more inclusive and innovative work environment. With the increasing role of women, it is hoped that more inspirational figures will emerge that can encourage the next generation to enter this sector.

Through various sustainable initiatives and programs, ABMM seeks to eliminate obstacles for women in entering and developing in the mining industry. This commitment is expected to increase women's participation and enable them to achieve strategic positions as leaders in this sector. With concrete steps taken, ABMM is optimistic that gender equality in the mining industry can continue to grow, provide benefits for companies, and support sustainable development and women's empowerment in Indonesia.