The Women in Mining Association of Namibia (WIMAN) has launched its flagship WiMAN Mentoring Programme, an initiative designed to support and accelerate the advancement of women into leadership roles across the mining sector.
The programme is being developed in a partnership with Consolidated Copper Corp (CCC), which has provided the initial seed funding, and the online mentoring platform customised for WiMAN. Mentorship is a key part of the WiMAN strategy. CCC’s Peer Pioneers Online Platform will be made available to WiMAN for the first three years. Shaped through broad industry consultation, inclusive of young professionals, entrepreneurs, academics, and mining employers, the programme is designed by WIMAN to reflect real-world needs, industry consultations and workplace realities.
Its impact will be measured through an annual assessment and tracking progress, identifying areas for improvement and innovation. The initiative fosters a selfsustaining, intergenerational network by offering opportunities and encouraging former mentees to become future mentors. Launched at an event held today in Windhoek, ahead of the International Day for Women in Mining observed on the 15th of June, the Mentorship and Coaching programme will pair seasoned professionals, university students, early-career professionals, and women in mining-related enterprises with mentors from across the industry.
The aim is to help women build lasting careers, grow their confidence, and find real opportunities in the mining sector. The International Day for Women in Mining (IDWM) highlights contributions, challenges, and achievements of women in the mining industry. WiMAN joins the rest of the world in celebrating these achievements, raising awareness, encouraging inclusion, advocating for change. By recognising and uplifting women in mining, IDWIM contributes to a more diverse, innovative, and sustainable industry. The mentoring initiative reflects CCC’s broader commitment to developing local talent and building a more inclusive mining workforce.
Zenzi Awases, President, WIMAN added: “The WiMAN Mentorship and Coaching Programme is intentionally designed to include every woman involved in the mining sector – from seasoned professionals and small-scale miners to gemstone traders, mining-related entrepreneurs, and aspiring youth. By pairing mentorship with leadership coaching and introducing STEM Clubs in schools, we are not just creating opportunities—we are building a pipeline of empowered women who will shape the future of mining in Namibia and beyond. This first-of-its-kind mentorship platform that is being launched today, aims to support women in advancing their careers, gaining leadership skills, and overcoming industry challenges.”
Yolande Stegmann, interim Chief Operating Officer for Consolidated Copper Corp, said: “I’m excited to meet the incredible women who will be part of this programme. It’s not just about offering them skills – it’s about giving them the chance to build real networks, receive hands-on guidance, and feel like they truly belong in an industry where they’ve been overlooked for too long.”