AngloGold Ashanti to Launch Initiative to Empower Women with Technical Skills

Obuasi: AngloGold Ashanti will, this year, launch an all-women apprenticeship programme to equip and impart essential technical skills in young women in its operational areas. The aim is to empower women in the host communities with requisite skills and expertise to work in technical and engineering fields, which are often dominated by males.According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Samuel Boakye Pobee, Managing Director of AngloGold Ashanti, announced the company's commitment to improving the living conditions of people, especially women, in its host communities. He was speaking at a durbar to mark the 2025 International Women's Day at Obuasi. This year's celebration was under the theme: 'Accelerate Action for women's equity'.Mr. Pobee highlighted that women constitute a significant portion of the country's population and emphasized their inclusion in the company's development agenda. Despite the mining industry being predominantly male-dominated, AngloGold Ashanti has made notable advancements in bolstering t he female workforce in its redevelopment project since 2018.Through various initiatives, the company has established a baby care center to support nursing mothers pursuing their career ambitions. Additionally, AngloGold Ashanti has extended maternity leave from three to six months, provided tailored uniforms for pregnant female employees, and ensured a comfortable and inclusive work environment by offering female-specific washrooms and changing rooms.In 2024, AngloGold selected and fully sponsored five women business leaders to participate in a transformative program in Nairobi, Kenya. This initiative fostered networking opportunities with women from diverse countries. Mr. Phillipe Pears, the Projects Manager for Underground Mining Alliance (UMA), encouraged women to work diligently towards achieving their objectives.The event featured a variety of local delicacies prepared by women and a showcase of locally crafted fabrics by selected women. It attracted traditional leaders, organizations, and schoolch ildren.