WIM/WiN-SK has partnered with Everwise to provide mentorship and development opportunities for women in the Saskatchewan mining industry. This two-year program is funded by the International Minerals Innovation Institute (IMII) as part of their Diversity and Inclusion Challenge. The Diversity and Inclusion Challenge was developed to invest in innovative solutions designed to increase the number of women and indigenous people employed in the Saskatchewan minerals sector.
Mentorship was targeted because Research has shown that effective mentorship programs, tailored to individuals, can significantly increase employee engagement, retention, and productivity - ultimately helping us to achieve our goals. A more diverse and gender-balanced team can result in improved innovation, profits and company culture.
Each participant, in addition to the formal mentorship experience facilitated by Everwise, will gain access to the Gender Equity in Mining (GEM) Works - Learn to Make a Difference (Module 1 - The Importance of Gender Equity in Mining) course provided through MiHR. This e-learning course will supplement the mentorship program and help participants understand and articulate the business case for improved gender equity in Canada’s mining sector.
While many companies have developed internal programs to support women and help them advance in their careers, there is still room for improvement. Discussions with WIM/WiN-SK members show many women lack strong support systems and resources, especially at remote Operations – and as a result they leave the industry. Even worse, some women do not view mining as a career choice due to negative perceptions they may have of the industry.
“Our goal is to change the preconceptions women have of the mining industry,” said WIM/WiN-SK chair Anne Gent in a Feb. 1 press release. “We also strive to retain and promote the women already in the mining industry to realize their full potential”.
Update - We are now actively recruiting for Cohort 3!
New this cohort, university and trades students interested in pursuing a career in mining or mining support industries are welcome to apply. Selected participants will be matched with a mentor whose strengths and experience best aligns with their individual needs, goals and competencies.
Anyone (male or female) interested in becoming a mentor is encouraged to reach out. Women interested in participating in this program as mentees can apply by emailing mentorship@wimwinsk.com. Mentee-mentor six-month partnerships will be made in March, and the program will formally commence in April. As a part of the program mentees will:
- Be matched 1:1 with a mentor for a six-month partnership and have an additional 6-month access to the Everwise platform;
- Connect with leaders in their field;
- Develop foundational leadership skills to apply at work;
- Join a network of peers, mentors and role models; and,
- Set and make progress against individual professional development goals.
While our IMII funding runs out at the end of 2019, WIM/WiN-SK is working to ensure the program will continue under a new funding strategy.