What is a Women in Mining (WIM) organisation?

Any organisation primarily focused on advancing the interests of women who work in, around and with the mining sector, on any continent.

Behind the WIM Acronym

Each WIM organisation is organised in its own way to suit its purpose and develops different activities and initiatives related to the local context and the challenges encountered around gender equity where they are based.

WIM organisations typically evolve organically and are structured, managed and financed in accordance with their member composition, location, context and purpose; most are independent but welcome coordination and joint initiatives; there may be several in a single country, not necessarily linked to one another; some include male members or supporters; some are organised under the umbrella of an industry association or a business; and their number may fluctuate.

IWiM and WIM organisations take a very inclusive view of “women in mining”, considering that this encompasses any women working in, around or with the mining sector, including professionals in the industrial mining sector (large-scale mining or LSM), owners and operators of artisanal and small-scale mining operations (ASM), professionals in associated and supporting industries (including technical and professional services, regulators and government officials, academics) and representatives of civil society organisations and civil society/social justice movements, particularly those from communities impacted by mining.

The WIM space is a diverse ecosystem, with multiple organisation types, including:

• Registered national WIM organisations, including regional chapters or local affiliates
• Independent registered regional/local organisations, not affiliated to or part of a national WIM organisation
• Additional registered national WIM organisations (some countries have two national WIM organisations)
• Informal WIM organisations, running like a registered organisation
• Informal WIM organisations, existing only on social media
• University chapters (may or may not be affiliated a national WIM organisation)
• Minority – e.g. indigenous WIM organisations
• Multi-country WIM organisations
• Continental WIM organisations
• Company WIM networks (female networks within a mining company or other business in the extractives sector)
• Dormant/inactive WIM organisations
• Affiliates or sections of industry or other professional organisations (national, regional, continental or international)
• Women’s networks in sectors with a degree of overlap, including engineering, construction, trades and geosciences.

See below participating WIM Organisations in the Global WIM Summit – March 2021

IWIM’s leadership role

Although they share a common vision, the specific objectives and forms of WIM organisations vary: IWIM’s role is to support and complement the activities, services and growth of WIM organisations worldwide to better serve women in the mining sector globally, particularly in regions where there is no WIM organisation. This mirrors the truly global nature of the mining sector, and the gender equality agenda within it, whilst recognising the importance of addressing local or group-specific issues at the appropriate level.

IWIM develops global projects, campaigns, connections and resources which do not duplicate or overlap with those of WIM organisations; in addition, all IWIM initiatives and resources are open to WIM organisations to participate in and benefit from, for their organisation or members. And each WIM organisation can access the resources, support and network of IWIM.

IWIM does not organise events but rather advertises the events of all WIM organisations on the International WIM Alliance newsletter to encourage any IWIM members and followers, or potentially interested parties, to participate depending on their location and availability.