AngloGold Ashanti to launch initiative to empower women with technical skills
AngloGold Ashanti will, this year, launch an all-women apprenticeship programme to equip and impart essential technical skills in young women in its operational areas.
The aim is to empower women in the host communities with requisite skills and expertise to work in technical and engineering fields, which are often dominated by males.
Mr. Samuel Boakye Pobee, Managing Director of AngloGold Ashanti, who made this known, said the company was committed to improving the living conditions of people, especially women in its host communities.
He was speaking at a durbar to mark the 2025 International Women’s Day at Obuasi.
This year’s celebration was under the theme: “Accelerate Action for women’s equity”.
He said women constituted a significant portion of the country’s population, and stressed the importance of their inclusion in the company’s development agenda.
Mr Pobee said despite the mining industry being predominantly dominated by males, AngloGold Ashanti had made notable advancements in bolstering the female workforce in its redevelopment project since 2018.
He said through various initiatives, the company had established a baby care center to demonstrate its commitment to supporting nursing mothers pursuing their career ambitions.
The company had also extended maternity leave from three to six months, tailored uniforms to accommodate pregnant female employees, and provided female-specific washrooms and changing rooms to ensure a comfortable and inclusive work environment.
In 2024, AngloGold selected and fully sponsored five women business leaders to partake in a transformative program in Nairobi, Kenya, fostering networking opportunities with women from diverse countries.
Mr. Phillipe Pears, the Projects Manager for Underground Mining Alliance (UMA), urged women to strive diligently towards achieving their set objectives.
The event featured a variety of local delicacies prepared by women, alongside a showcase of locally crafted fabrics by some selected women. It attracted traditional leaders, organizations, and schoolchildren.
