Held at the Geita mine site under the global theme “Give to Gain – Advancing Gender Equity through Collaboration,” the event brought together colleagues from across the Africa Business Unit. While the launch took place in Geita, employees from AngloGold Ashanti operations in Ghana and South Africa joined virtually, reinforcing a shared commitment across the region to building inclusive and supportive workplaces.
Held at the Geita mine site under the global theme “Give to Gain – Advancing Gender Equity through Collaboration,” the event brought together colleagues from across the Africa Business Unit. While the launch took place in Geita, employees from AngloGold Ashanti operations in Ghana and South Africa joined virtually, reinforcing a shared commitment across the region to building inclusive and supportive workplaces.
A Strategic Platform for Advancing Women’s Leadership and Inclusion
The Africa Women Network & Allies has been established as a strategic platform designed to accelerate women’s leadership development, strengthen female representation across all levels of the organisation, and foster collaboration between employees across AngloGold Ashanti’s African operations. Through mentorship, professional development programmes and cross-site collaboration, the network will create opportunities for women to build leadership capacity, expand their professional networks and support one another’s career growth. The initiative will initially run as a three-year pilot programme, focusing on activities that promote mentorship, professional development and gender equality across the organisation.
Leadership Reaffirms Commitment to Gender Equity
Speaking during the launch, GGML Managing Director Ashraf Suryaningrat emphasized the company’s commitment to building inclusive workplaces where women have the opportunity to thrive and lead. “This year’s International Women’s Day theme reminds us that progress is not passive. When we give opportunity, sponsor talent and collaborate across teams and boundaries, we build stronger leadership and ultimately a stronger business.” He further emphasised that empowering women requires deliberate action, strong leadership support and platforms that allow women to connect and grow across the organisation.
Advancing Inclusion Across the Business
Sylvia Mbama, Recruitment and IDE Manager for the Africa Business Unit and Champion of the AWNA initiative, emphasised the importance of building strong networks that empower women to support one another.
“The Women Network & Allies is about creating a community where women and allies across our operations can connect, share experiences and support each other’s growth. By strengthening collaboration and mentorship, we are building a pipeline of future leaders across the Business Unit.”
Also speaking during the event, Beatrice Opoku-Asare, Vice President for Culture and Capability, highlighted the organisation’s commitment to building workplaces where diversity is recognised and inclusion is meaningful and intentional.
“At AngloGold Ashanti, we are committed to creating workplaces where diversity is recognised and inclusion is meaningful and intentional. Initiatives like the Women Network & Allies help ensure that every employee has the opportunity to contribute, grow and thrive.”
Inspiring Conversations: Women Share Their Leadership Journeys
A key highlight of the event was a panel discussion titled “Career Journeys: Navigating Barriers and the Support That Made the Difference.”
During the session, Kerry Karle (Vice President – Global Talent Acquisition Centre of Excellence – AGA, Denver), Janeth Luponelo (Senior Manager – Geology & Exploration, GGML), and Ruth Mugurusi (Drill & Blasting Engineer, OP Mining GGML), shared their personal career journeys, reflecting on the challenges they faced, the support systems that helped them succeed, and the lessons they have learned along the way.
The discussion offered valuable insights into what it takes to build a successful career in the mining industry, particularly in a field that has historically been male-dominated. Panelists spoke openly about resilience, mentorship, leadership support and the importance of creating environments where women are encouraged to grow and pursue leadership opportunities.
Their experiences resonated strongly with colleagues across the Africa Business Unit and reinforced the importance of collaboration, sponsorship and allyship in advancing gender equity in the workplace.
A Shared Commitment for the Future
Delivering the closing remarks, Wendal Naidoo, Vice President for Human Resources for the Africa Business Unit, encouraged employees to actively participate in the network and support the initiative’s long-term success.
“The success of this network will depend on the commitment of all of us. By supporting one another and creating opportunities for women to grow and lead, we are strengthening our organisation and shaping a more inclusive future for our business,” said Wendall Naidoo.
Looking Ahead
The launch of the Africa Women Network & Allies comes at a significant moment for GGML as the company continues to celebrate 25 years of responsible mining in Tanzania. Over the past two and a half decades, GGML has built a legacy not only of operational excellence but also of empowering people and strengthening communities.
As the company looks ahead, initiatives such as AWNA will play an important role in strengthening leadership pipelines, promoting diversity and ensuring that women continue to shape the future of the mining industry. Through collaboration, mentorship and leadership commitment, the network aims to create lasting impact across the Africa Business Unit and beyond.
