Empowering Women in Mining: success stories

Empowering Women in Mining: Nguvu Mining's Remarkable Success Stories

Nguvu Mining Limited, through its Adamus operation in Ghana, is making strides in gender inclusivity by successfully training eleven women from local mining communities to be professional operators of advanced mining equipment. This initiative not only breaks traditional gender barriers but also aligns with the company's commitment to empowering women in the mining sector and ensuring the broader community benefits from its operations.

Diverse Skill Development

The women, previously employed in various roles such as cleaners, security personnel, tally clerks, and fuel pump attendants, now possess skills in operating sophisticated equipment, including but not limited to the state-of-the-art Liebherr T236, recently commissioned for operation, and CAT DT mine haulage trucks and cranes. The comprehensive training program, lasting three months, encompassed both theoretical and practical sessions, reflecting the company's dedication to providing equal opportunities for skill development.

Personal Stories of Triumph

Mabel Coffie - A Curious Tally Clerk

Mabel Coffie - Dump Truck Operator

Mabel Coffie, a single mother from the Ala Bokazo community, transitioned from being a tally clerk to mastering the art of operating dump trucks. Her determination, coupled with the support of the company's leadership and training officers, reflects a personal and professional triumph.

“It was not easy, but it was worth it. I learned a lot of new skills and gained a lot of knowledge and expertise through continuous coaching and practice. I am very happy and proud of myself. I also feel more respected in my community and hope to inspire other women to follow their dreams,” says Mabel.

Mabel now operates one of the brand new Liebherr T236 100T capacity Dump Trucks.

Janet Okran - Overcoming Stereotypes in Franna Operation

Janet Okran, a single mother from the Kikam community, defied stereotypes and naysayers to become a Franna operator. Her story encourages other community members, especially women, to embrace opportunities and pursue their dreams within the mining industry.

“Some people said many negative things, but that didn’t discourage me. I gathered courage and pursued my dream of operating the Franna. I want to admonish and encourage my fellow community members, especially the women, that when given the opportunity to work in the mine, whether good or bad, they should accept and put in their best,” advised Janet.

Janet Okran - Franna Operator

Cecilia Meselebe - Courage in Dump Truck Operation

Cecilia Meselebe - Dump Truck Operator

Cecilia Meselebe, employed initially as a cleaner and later became a tally clerk. Through dedication and commitment, Cecilia overcame discouragement and stereotyping to master the operations of a dump trucks. Her message to all women is one of courage, emphasizing that controlling the machine is within their capability.

“I want to encourage all women to be courageous. It is only a machine, and you control it, not the machine controlling you,” Cecilia admonished.

Dorcas Eshun - Inspiring Others as an Articulated Dump truck (ADT) Operator

Dorcas Eshun, a single mother from the Salma community, inspired other women by mastering the skill of operating ADTs. Her gratitude extends to the company's leadership for providing her with the opportunity to improve her life.

“Despite all the discouraging words, I was determined to acquire the skill of operating the ADT to improve my life and impact positively on my community. I am grateful to management for this opportunity,” Dorcas shared.

Dorcas Eshun - Articulated Dump truck (ADT) Operator

Margaret Adu - From Cleaner to a Dump Truck Operator

Margaret Adu - Dump Truck Operator

Margaret Adu, initially employed as a cleaner and later a fuel farm attendant shattered myths surrounding female dump truck operators. Her successful completion of the training is a testament to the supportive environment fostered by Nguvu.

“I have come to realize that all the rumors, such as not being able to have your monthly cycle or even give birth as a female dump truck operator, were all untrue. I am grateful to Madam Angela List and the Nguvu Management for this great opportunity,” said Margaret.

Benedicta Edna Mensah - Data Entry Clerk Turned Truck Operator

Benedicta Edna Mensah, a married mother of four, transitioned from a data entry clerk to successfully operating trucks. Her determination and gratitude toward her bosses and training officers showcase the transformative impact of the training program.

“I heard many discouraging words from some friends, but I was determined to learn the new skill. It was my first time holding the steering wheel to drive a vehicle, and I am happy I passed through it successfully. I want to thank my bosses and the training officers for this opportunity,” expressed Benedicta.

Benedicta Edna Mensah - Dump Truck Operator

Rebecca Ackah - A Caterer's Journey to Mining Equipment Operator

Rebecca Ackah - Dump Truck Operator

Rebecca Ackah, a single mother and former caterer, joined the training program with determination. Her story reflects the resilience needed to succeed in a male-dominated field, encouraging other women in her community to seize the opportunities Nguvu Mining Limited provides.

“I want to encourage all the women in my community to grab every opportunity that Nguvu will provide in the future, as this will likely help them acquire new skills to improve their livelihood. I wish to thank all the training officers for their words of encouragement and their support,” expressed Rebecca with a sense of gratitude and optimism.

Victoria Kwesi - Overcoming Discouragement for Skill Acquisition

Victoria Kwesi, a resilient single mother from Nkroful, faced discouragement but persevered in her journey to become a female truck operator. Her appreciation for the support from training officers and senior operators highlights the collaborative effort within the mining community.

“There were many discouraging words from people, but I gathered courage knowing that some females have done this training successfully; hence, I could also do it. I appreciate the support and encouragement of all the training officers and the senior operators,” expressed Victoria with heartfelt appreciation.

Victoria Kwesi - Dump Truck Operator

Comfort Nyarko - Security Personnel to Liebherr T236 Operator

Comfort Nyarko - Dump Truck Operator

Comfort Nyarko started as a security personnel and transitioned to becoming a Liebherr T236 truck operator. Her message encourages women to believe in themselves and pursue their goals, emphasizing the importance of self-confidence and determination.

“I am thrilled that I have achieved competence in operating the new Liebherr T236 dump trucks, the first in Africa. I want to encourage all the women in my community to believe in themselves and put their minds on whatever they want to achieve in life. Because everything is indeed possible,” said Comfort with unwavering enthusiasm.

Constance Agyabu - From Cleaner to Dump Truck Operator

Constance Agyabu, a single woman from Essiama, successfully transitioned from a cleaner to a dump truck operator. Her story emphasizes the significance of courage and embracing opportunities, regardless of preconceived notions.

“I want to encourage all the women in my community to be courageous and always embrace any opportunity the company gives us,” Constance passionately encouraged.

Constance Agyabu - Dump Truck Operator

Mabel Okyere - From Compactor Operator to Dump Truck Operator

Mabel Okyere - Dump Truck Operator

Mabel Okyere, a married woman with one child, successfully transitioned from a compactor operator to a dump truck operator. Her story emphasizes the significance of having the courage to take on new challenges and seize opportunities as they arise.

"As a woman, I stand as living proof that operating a dump truck is not a hindrance to the experience of childbirth. I want to extend my encouragement to all women to boldly take up this challenge," Mabel affirmed.

Acknowledgments

The women express gratitude to Madam Angela List, the CEO of Nguvu Mining Limited, Alex Mensa Hagan, General Manager, Senior Management, and Mr. Patrick Mensah Sakyi (Mining Operations Superintendent), as well as the training Officers for their unwavering support. Their stories underscore the transformative impact of inclusive training programs in the mining industry, setting a precedent for future opportunities and equality.

In conclusion, Nguvu Mining Limited's commitment to empowering women in the mining sector is evident not only in words but also in the remarkable success stories of these eleven women who have broken barriers and embraced new opportunities, contributing to a more inclusive and diverse mining community.

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