Bushra Anis

I didn’t choose Mining Engineering just as a career I chose it as a revolution. In a society where girls are steered toward conventional roles, I deliberately took the road no woman around me had traveled. I was deeply curious about how the earth works, how raw resources become infrastructure, and how natural wealth translates into national growth. But more than curiosity, there was a fire in me , a desire to be visible in places where women are invisible.

Choosing this field was my way of saying, “We can do hard things. We can dig deep — not just into the ground, but into our own potential.” Mining is not easy, and that’s exactly why I embraced it. Each choice I made, from field trips to leadership roles, has been about challenging boundaries and creating a new normal for women in engineering.

Being a woman in mining in Pakistan often feels like walking into a room where your presence is a question before your ideas are even heard. From the very beginning, I faced subtle and overt barriers skepticism about my abilities, isolation in technical discussions, and logistical limitations that assumed women couldn’t or shouldn’t be on mining sites. But each obstacle was a stepping stone for me.

Instead of backing down, I built resilience. Instead of waiting for acceptance, I claimed space, as an engineer, a leader, and a woman with a vision. Today, I’m leading efforts to build the Women in Mining Pakistan Chapter, a movement dedicated to educating women about their rights in the sector, supporting them through mentorship and legal awareness, and fostering global collaboration among mining women. My dream is to build a future where no young girl ever hears, “Why are you in this field” Instead, she’ll hear, “Thank you for leading the way.”

The foundation of my leadership at HTMA rests on three pillars: purpose-driven resilience, strategic communication, and a passion for creating impact beyond titles. Personally, I have never let the fear of being the “only woman in the room” stop me from speaking up. Professionally, I combine technical acumen with strategic project management, ensuring our initiatives aren’t just compliant, but also progressive and people-centered.

My lived experiences give me a dual lens, I understand the technical aspects of mining, but I also recognize the human, cultural, and gender dimensions of the industry. I use this perspective to bridge gaps, initiate inclusive policies, and empower voices that are often overlooked. That’s what makes my role at HTMA not just a job, but a mission to transform mindsets alongside mining models.

When I entered mining, there were barely any visible female figures to look up to. That lack of role models was both isolating and motivating. I had to become the example I couldn’t find. But I also made it my mission to ensure that the next generation doesn’t walk this path alone. Mentorship is no longer optional, it is my responsibility, and it is deeply personal.

That’s why the Women in Mining Pakistan Chapter will include a dedicated mentorship program, connecting young engineers, students, and aspiring professionals to leaders across the globe. It’s time we created an ecosystem where women are seen, heard, and guided with intention. I don’t just want to mentor; I want to build a mentorship movement.

To every young woman considering mining or engineering: Your doubts are valid, but your dreams are louder. Don’t wait for perfect conditions or unanimous approval. Walk in with your truth, even if your voice trembles. The strength you’re looking for will grow with every challenge you face.

I wish I had known earlier that leadership doesn’t come from waiting to be chosen it comes from deciding you’re enough. You don’t have to become like men to succeed in a male-dominated field. Your perspective, your empathy, your authenticity — they are your power. Let’s stop trying to “fit in” and start transforming the spaces we enter.

My immediate goal is to launch the Women in Mining Pakistan Chapter as a legally recognized, active national body. This initiative will focus on women’s representation in policy dialogues, creating structured mentorship pipelines, organizing awareness campaigns, and advocating for inclusive safety and labor rights on mining sites.

Long-term, I aspire to represent Pakistan at international mining governance platforms such as the UN’s IGF (Intergovernmental Forum on Mining), the World Bank Extractives Program, and global sustainability networks. I also want to develop leadership fellowships for women in extractives, focused on South Asia. Because until the world hears our voices at the highest levels, the change will only be surface deep.

Yes and not just in theory. Projects with diverse leadership are statistically more profitable, sustainable, and socially accepted. Women bring emotional intelligence, lateral thinking, long-term risk planning, and inclusive leadership styles. These are critical to mining operations, which are deeply interconnected with communities, the environment, and workforce dynamics.

In fact, I believe that a lack of women in technical and operational roles is not just a gender issue — it’s a strategic flaw. When we include women in these spaces, we see safer workplaces, more ethical decision-making, and stronger community trust. It’s not just about equality it’s about excellence

Outside of work, I am a storyteller, mentor, and public advocate. I write, speak, and share stories of resilience to challenge cultural stereotypes and inspire women to claim their space unapologetically. I volunteer my time to give career talks in underrepresented schools and mentor university students navigating male-dominated fields.

I’m deeply passionate about women’s rights, social innovation, and redefining leadership narratives in Pakistan. I use every opportunity whether at FMF 2025, BRIMM, PMIF, or Women in Mining Denver not just to represent myself, but to elevate others. My purpose is clear: To build a Pakistan where women in mining are no longer an exception, but a legacy.