Tonight, the Gold Industry Group will host its second Women in Gold Sundowner at The Perth Mint in conjunction with Women in Mining WA, this year putting diversity under the spotlight with a great debate in front of more than 300 guests.
Inspired by Catherine Fox’s book Stop Fixing Women, the debate will see a diverse powerhouse panel of industry figures battle it out over whether we need to stop fixing women and start fixing the system to achieve gender equality in the workplace.
Panellists include Gold Fields Senior Human Resources Advisor Cassie O'Connell, BGC Contracting Chief Operating Officer Barry Bloch, Career Acceleration Expert and Author Katie-Jeyn Romeyn and Edith Cowan University (BEng) Student and Production Mining Operative Breanna Cameron.
Gold Industry Group Vice Chairperson and Gold Fields Vice President of Legal and Compliance Kelly Carter is excited to adjudicate the debate which will explore these challenging and topical issues for the mining industry in Perth’s first public debate.
“We are delighted to provide the opportunity for such a rich and diverse panel to debate these critical issues for our industry,” said Mrs Carter.
Gold Industry Group Director and Gold Road Resources Non-Executive Director Sharon Warburton is looking forward to hosting the event again.
“I’m looking forward to participating in what will be another wonderful event showcasing the talented women we have in WA's gold industry,” said Ms Warburton.
One of Gold Fields young and upcoming leaders, Cassie O’Connell, will be on the panel and believes debates like this are essential to cast the spotlight on diversity among leading industry players.
“What makes this debate different is that it brings together panellists with different levels of experience,” said Ms O’Connell.
“Opportunities to speak at such events are generally given to senior managers as they have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share. I believe it sends a very clear message that diversity of thought is key, and that this is everybody’s issue – no matter your age, experience, gender and culture.”
Statistics show that women make up 47% of the Australian workforce, but only 18% of employees in Western Australia’s resources sector.
Cassie believes the main reason the industry is not making progress is because gender inequality is still largely seen as a ‘female issue for females to fix’.
“By addressing this issue and creating increased equality and diversity, there will be great benefits for individuals, organisations, industries and economies.
“We need to create ‘burning platforms’, such as this event, to change attitudes and behaviours. And for those who remain sceptical, this debate allows them to voice their opinions and hear the responses,” Ms O’Connell concluded.
The event is sponsored by Gold Industry Group members Gold Fields Australia, The Perth Mint, Gold Road Resources, Ramelius Resources, Northern Star Resources and BGC Contracting.