IWIM
Who we are
IWIM is a global non-profit advancing equity within the natural resources sector. We believe in a diverse, equitable and inclusive industry where everyone can thrive. Our purpose is to create a responsible and sustainable mining industry.
Since launching in 2007, IWIM has become much more than an advocacy group. It is now a catalyst for industry-wide change, working tirelessly to challenge the status quo and create a more inclusive future.
IWIM connects with over 22,000 followers worldwide and convenes and collaborates with leading companies, organisations and individuals globally who share a vision for the mining sector. We aim to inspire both men and women to become advocates, change-makers and leaders in their businesses, communities and countries.
We operate thanks to our corporate partners and project sponsors, global team, Board of Directors and Advisory Council from all areas of the industry.
To lead global change we act as:
Industry Change Agent We actively champion equity in natural resources through global projects & initiatives. We connect stakeholders across the industry, provide access to DEI tools, frameworks and data-driven resources, and empower future leaders through our global cross-company mentoring programme.
Equity Accelerator We collaborate with policy actors to embed equity into decision-making by actively participating in multi-stakeholder initiatives and contributing to the peer review of standards and policies, fostering a mining industry that thrives on inclusivity and reflects the diversity of the global community.
Our Vision
An equitable and inclusive natural resource sector where all people can thrive
Our Mission
Advancing equity in natural resource
Our Values
As a not-for-profit organisation, our initiatives and engagement are driven by our commitment and fuelled by our core values of respect, inclusivity, integrity, collaboration, accountability and authenticity.
Our History
IWIM was founded as WIM Community Portal in 2007 by Barbara Dischinger to provide a communication platform for WIM organisations and serve women in the global mining sector, particularly where there were no WIM organisations.
In parallel, Barbara Dischinger founded Women in Mining (UK) in 2006 and managed it until 2011 when a new management team transitioned in; the two organisations have always been distinct.
When IWIM was founded, there were fewer WIM organisations and the conversation about diversity and inclusion in mining was only just beginning. Since its inception, IWIM has worked to promote a strong, unified WIM voice and increase support to and among WIM organisations world-wide. There are now over 100 independent WIM organisations in over 65 countries. As there was no consensus IWIM did not become the International umbrella. Instead we co-developed with WIM organisations the International WIM Alliance, a multilateral collaboration platform for WIM Organisations and we host its Secretariat.
IWIM has helped define and advance the gender equity and diversity agenda in the mining sector, coordinating initiatives with global businesses and collaborating with international organisations pursuing similar transformational objectives. These have included research projects, global campaigns and initiatives, developing tools & resources and bespoke advice to organisations.
In 2017 the company adopted the name International Women in Mining and converted into a community interest company (CIC). As a CIC, IWIM has primarily social objectives and any surpluses are reinvested in these objectives or in the community. In 2024 we are transitioned to IWIM.