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What Diversity and Inclusion Means to Me

Diversity is being invited to the party; inclusion is being asked to dance.
– Verna Myers

When I was a child and someone would ask me what I wanted to be in future, I could not answer their question. You see, I wanted to be a pilot and, in my country, women were not allowed to be pilots. As a teenager, I remember crying because I was born a girl and I would never have the chance to be a soccer player in our national team.

Yet, I was lucky to be one of the first female mining engineers to graduate 20 years after the Islamic Revolution in Iran. I had finally been ‘invited to the party’, but I still needed to fight for the opportunity to dance.

My journey as a female mining engineer was exciting but I have had to constantly stand up for my rights, position, and a fair income. I needed to prove that my ability is no different from that of any other mining engineer. I wanted to succeed, not only for myself but also for future female mining engineers.

For me the concept of Diversity and Inclusion is important for all people regardless of their gender, race, culture, religion, and age. They should be able to dream and be allowed the opportunity to follow it. No one should encounter prejudice or have to fight for their basic rights. Everyone should be equally heard, seen, and respected.

I believe, that every single one of us in the mining industry has the responsibility to make this happen. We need to strive for a diverse and inclusive working environment which will result in an industry that is more innovative and productive when it comes to the business of mining.

Zohreh Fakhraei
Principal Consultant: Mining

What Diversity and Inclusion means to me

’Our ability to reach unity in diversity will be the beauty and the test of our civilisation.’ —Mahatma Gandhi

Like a body with many parts, connected and made to function in multiple diverse ways, yet as one, so is the mining industry – different facets, all in one body, each individual contributing towards the many successes achieved thus far.

To me, diversity and inclusion mean discerning beyond labels. Seeing, acknowledging, and valuing uniqueness and understanding that this is what makes us whole. I believe diversity and inclusion are not just cosmetics but form a significant foundation that maintains the integrity of an organization. In including all, we validate their voices, persons, even their skills and expertise. It means creating working environments that foster inclusion –an indispensable precondition that empowers us to unite and embrace how diverse we are while capitalizing on this pool of diversity to achieve individual growth and sustainable growth for the whole organization.

We are all different, not less, and are stronger when everyone is included.

Nthati Monei

What diversity and inclusion mean to me

By Kabelo Rathobei
Diversity and inclusion are about acknowledging different stakeholders that contribute to the growth of the mining industry. It’s about respecting, valuing, and realizing the unique roles that they all play in achieving a socially, environmentally, and economically viable industry. Varied voices bring about better discussions that consider the diverse nature of the world we live in. This will then translate into an industry that can adapt and pivot as the world's focus changes. Including all stakeholders regardless of their sexual orientation, gender, religious beliefs; whether they rank as secondary or primary stakeholders, creates an environment where issues that are important to ensure the sustainability of the industry are highlighted and addressed.

’When we listen and celebrate what is both common and different, we become a wiser, more inclusive, and better organization.’
Pat Wadors

DIMI - Diversity and Inclusion today for a sustainable tomorrow

Diversity and Inclusion to me is now beyond definitions of the concepts but implementation for shared value and growth for all. It is about a nonjudgmental seeing and appreciation of the uniqueness of the other person in a community or organization. It is about enabling the finding of the gold nuggets in them that are different from one’s own and allowing them to serve the whole.