For two days, from 2 to 3 March, the association Women In Mining, which brings together women working in the mining sector, organised a festival called Thamani (value) in Lubumbashi. The festival aims to recognise the contribution of certain organisations in promoting women's leadership. 

Tenke Fungurume Mining sent a delegation of female employees to the festival, which also constitutes support for the association's national president, Dorothée Masele, director of community relations at TFM.

The presentations were made to a large female audience of over 100. Delegations from various places around the world took part in the festival. Government authorities such as the DRC Environment Agency, the Provincial Mining and Environment Agency and many NGOs were also present at the event.

The first day was devoted to presentations on the review of the status of women in the mining sector. This was an opportunity to present the progress made, but also the speeches of women describing their personal achievements in a male-dominated environment.

Outlining the framework of the festival, Dorothée Masele, national president of WIM DRC said: “This is the 1st festival of women in mining. We are celebrating the leadership of women in the mining sector in the DRC. This festival would allow women in mining to network, exchange and discover the different initiatives put in place by others. "

It is in this context that TFM presented some of the achievements it has made in favour of young girls and women in general. More than 800 women have benefited from training in literacy, savings and the creation of income-generating activities, revealed Vivianne Mwidia of TFM. At the end of a two-year certificate course, they have learned savings techniques and created income-generating activities. 

The second day was devoted to the development of the WIM Charter, which will serve as a series of indicators to show us if an organisation is really promoting female leadership. This will form the basis for awarding a label of conformity to any organisation that respects the principles of gender equality. 

The President recalled that WIM advocates for a strong representation of women in decision-making spheres and for the implementation of a gender policy in each organisation. 

This will make it possible, she continued, to rate and award a label to the organisation that stands out in the promotion of female leadership.

The Thamani festival closed with the awarding of certificates of merit to women who have distinguished themselves in the promotion of female leadership in several of its facets, as well as to organisations that have actively participated in it and eight organisations were awarded the Women's Leadership Trophies.

Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world. For organisational and historical reasons, the majority of leadership positions in many industries, including mining, tend to be held by men. Across all CMOC global operations, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment. In order to advance the worldwide gender equality, we promote women's career advancement by enhancing their education and training, and raise community awareness through community programs and campaigns.