Newmont’s recent accolade to Victoria Agyekumwaa as the 2024 Best Female Graduating Student in Mining Engineering at the George Grant University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) marks a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence and gender inclusion. Victoria’s achievement, graduating with First Class Honours and a remarkable Cumulative Weighted Average (CWA) of 86.34, isn’t just a personal victory; it’s a clarion call for change in a sector historically dominated by men.
The award, presented during UMaT’s graduation ceremony, comes with a cash prize, a laptop, and a coveted national service opportunity at Newmont. This isn’t just a pat on the back; it’s a strategic move that equips Victoria with the practical experience she needs to thrive in the mining industry. Newmont’s Global University Strategy, launched in 2019, is designed to create a more inclusive environment in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, particularly within mining. By spotlighting exceptional female graduates like Victoria, Newmont is actively working to inspire a new generation of women to enter the mining workforce and challenge the gender disparities that have long plagued the industry.
“Inclusion is one of our core values at Newmont,” said Georgina Bartels, the Regional Manager for Organizational Effectiveness at Newmont’s Ghana operations. Her words resonate deeply within the context of a sector that has been slow to adapt to the changing dynamics of the workforce. By prioritizing the empowerment of women in STEM, Newmont is not only addressing the gender gap but also setting a precedent for other companies in the mining sector to follow suit.
The implications of initiatives like this extend far beyond the individual level. They signal a shift in how mining companies can approach talent development. Newmont’s strategy includes internship and graduate programs aimed at equipping young talents with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in a competitive landscape. This proactive approach not only enhances employability for students and recent graduates but also ensures that the mining industry has a steady pipeline of qualified professionals ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.
Victoria’s journey is more than just a personal triumph; it’s a beacon of hope for young women who aspire to break into fields that have historically sidelined them. Her success story serves as a testament to what can be achieved when corporate entities take a stand for diversity and inclusion. As Newmont continues to champion these values, it raises the question: how will other companies in the mining sector respond? Will they follow Newmont’s lead and invest in the future of women in mining, or will they remain stagnant in outdated practices?
This award is not merely a recognition of academic excellence; it’s a catalyst for broader change. Newmont is setting the stage for a more equitable mining industry, and it’s high time others join the chorus. The future of mining may well depend on the actions taken today to ensure that women like Victoria are not just celebrated but also empowered to lead in their fields.
