Young girls and boys from two Senior and one Junior High Schools in the Ashanti Region were the focus of Sandvik Mining and Construction Ghana’s 2024 International Women’s Day programme.

The global mining equipment and technologies solutions giant is renowned for its uniquely robust and dynamic programme of inclusion, particularly for women.

Consistent with the company’s historical positive discrimination in favour of women and intense advocacy for gender diversity and inclusivity, the global leader in engineering, brought together hundreds of girls and boys at its Pakyi No. 1 offices to inspire them to believe – believe that their gender is not a barrier to achieving greater things.

The girls, from Bekwai SDA Senior High, Atwima Kwanwoma SHS, and Pakyi D/A JHS—each contributed to the vibrant discussions.

Site Manager of Sandvik Mining, George Antwi, underscored the paramount importance of initiatives designed to celebrate women and encourage them to dare to take up roles in the traditionally male-dominated field of engineering.

He said it brings him great joy when he looks at the strides Sandvik has made in the recruitment of females within the organisation - something he said was the result of a deliberate and concerted effort of the managers of the company.

Mr Antwi implored all the students to seize the opportunities available to them by pursuing careers in science and engineering, adding that the greater the difficulty, the better the rewards.

“I wish to draw your attention to the dynamic and promising field of engineering. Engineering is not confined to gender stereotypes; it is a pathway to creativity, problem-solving, and shaping the technological landscape of the future.

"Today, we encourage each of you to consider engineering programmes as a gateway to limitless opportunities in the engineering sector of our economy,” he admonished.

Anastasia Mensah of the Sandvik Human Resources department shed light on the core values and unwavering dedication of the company to fostering an environment where women thrive and excel.

She said Sandvik’s deliberateness in terms of promoting gender equality and equity was borne out of the recognition that there is strength in diversity and inclusiveness.

Continuing from where Ms Mensah left off, Grace Ackah-Wilson touched on the multifaceted roles women play within Sandvik's diverse ecosystem.

Ms Ackah-Wilson, joined by Doris Mwinviel Allotey of the Department of Tools Sales and Support, Eunice Serwaa Mpeniasah, Araba Assabil and Evelyn Darkwa, treated the audience to a symphony of stories showcasing the indispensable contributions of women in every facet of the company's operations, in particular, and the world in general.

On their part, Mitchell Amoakowaa Gyasi and Sylvia Araba Bruce, of the Purchasing team, offered insights into their roles and responsibilities and the opportunities therein.

Their testimonies served as a powerful testament to the collaborative spirit that defines Sandvik's ethos, where every individual, regardless of gender, plays a vital role in driving the company’s innovation and progress.

A panel discussion featuring a team of women engineers and technicians, amongst them, Lebene Sabblah and Daniella Dushie, created a platform for the young girls to see these rising stars in their right share their interests and aspirations.

Their stories, laced with triumphs and challenges alike, served as a wellspring of inspiration for the students and attendees, igniting flames of ambition and spirit of resilience and self-belief in their hearts.

The students were given a rare opportunity to tour the Sandvik facility in groups. They traversed the administrative block, the warehouse, and the workshop, marvelling at the ingenuity and innovation that permeated every corner of the space.

The celebration was not limited to only the Headquarters of Sandvik West Africa Sales Area, there were also activities in Mali and Burkina Faso.

In Burkina, as in Ghana, the focus was on encouraging young girls and women in technical fields like civil engineering, geometry, mechanics, and architecture is commendable.

The call to action by Carine Kabore, the Senior Accountant, for active participation and representation of women within Sandvik, and the emphasis on the company’s diversity and inclusion strategy, was a significant step towards gender equality in the industry.

The positive response from the students, their gratitude for the programme, and their aspiration to be part of Sandvik in the future through work-study courses, internships, or as employees, is a testament to the success of the company’s initiatives.

In Mali where Sandvik has operations, young girls in technical education from the Pere Michel School, Bamako, benefited from the programme.

The main objective of the engagement there was to increase awareness of the role of women in industry in general, particularly in the scientific and technical sectors of the mining industry.

Mrs Hamsa Nouhoum, the Acting Territory Manager, praised the courage of women and girls in Mali. She called for their active participation and representation within Sandvik, through the active implementation of the Company’s diversity and inclusion strategy.

She again encouraged the girls to be more engaged in their studies, to be able to acquire the needed skills to meet organisational needs in an industry environment with strong male dominance.

In essence, Sandvik's International Women's Day celebration transcended mere observation, evolving into a powerful testament to the transformative potential of inclusivity and empowerment.

With each story shared and each barrier shattered, the event served as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path forward for women in engineering and inspiring generations to come.