Questions of equal treatment regarding gender are gaining prominence in the mining industry, which has been traditionally male-dominated. Although previous research has identified disproportionate negative effects for women in the industry, an assessment of mining companies’ reporting on gender concerns is necessary to understand where companies stand on gender equality and intersectional issues. Now, Phyliss Lesnikov and colleagues from the University of British Columbia and University of Johannesburg present insights on gender-related concerns from an analysis of international mining company sustainability reports.
The researchers developed a coding framework informed by the wider literature and indicators under Sustainable Development Goal 5 (‘achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls’). This was applied to the language used in 27 sustainability reports released by 27 member companies of the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) between 2018 and 2019. The research team found that while several of the companies have targeted initiatives in place for women, their necessity, value for the companies and success is less clear. Although women have been given some degree of attention, reports lack a wider gender and intersectional perspective overall. While the results imply a willingness to engage with gendered issues amongst key players in the mining industry, Lesnikov et al. appeal for a more careful consideration of why and in what contexts existing (and further) efforts are needed.
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