North-West University (NWU) deputy subject group leader and social work lecturer Dr Luce Pretorius recently had the honour of being invited to speak at the prestigious Women in Mining Indaba (WIM) event.
Hosted by the Mine Health and Safety Council, the event themed “Nothing about us, without us, striving for zero harm”, aimed to unpack and prioritise occupational health and safety concerns impacting women in the sector. The main goal was to develop a programme that the South African Mining Industry can implement to ensure women in the mining industry are safe from harm.
The event was attended by various stakeholders, including the deputy minister of the Department of Minerals and Petroleum Resources, which highlighted the importance of addressing these vital issues.
Dr Pretorius, and her colleague, Merelda Bachiri, a celebrated life coach and counsellor, shared important aspects of women's well-being in the mining industry. Dr Pretorius focused on mental health, while Meralda emphasised the impact of substance abuse. They provided valuable insight into the specific challenges faced by women in the mining industry.
Dr Pretorius' presentation, titled "Women’s mental health and work-life balance in the mining industry", delved into the unique mental health challenges women in mining face due to the high-risk nature of the industry, long working hours and pressure in their personal lives. She explored key mental health risk factors, including stress and feelings of isolation, and provided evidence-based coping strategies with a focus on the importance of work-life balance.
She emphasised the need for women to prioritise their mental well-being to maintain both professional success and personal fulfilment in such a demanding environment. By addressing these critical issues, Dr Pretorius and Meralda highlighted the importance of enhancing support systems and implementing strategies to foster a healthier and more sustainable work environment for women in the mining industry.
"I'm really passionate about promoting diversity and inclusion in traditionally male-dominated industries such as mining. It's essential to create an environment where women feel supported and empowered to thrive in their careers. I believe that addressing women's well-being in the mining industry is not just a matter of workplace safety, but it is also a fundamental aspect of creating a sustainable and equitable industry for all,” says Dr Pretorius.
“I am honoured to contribute to the dialogue at the WIM, and to advocate for the prioritisation of mental health support and work-life balance for women in this critical sector. It's crucial to recognise and address the unique challenges that women may face in such environments and to work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive industry for everyone."
Dr Luce Pretorius.
