The MEC Mining team are celebrating International Women’s Day by introducing you to some of the wonderful women who make it so great. We sat down with Senior Mining Engineer, Rebecca Thomas and asked her some questions to showcase her view on what it means to be a woman in the mining and resources sector.
Rebecca is a senior mining engineer with over 5 years’ experience in open cut coal mining. Rebecca specializes in short and Medium-term Truck and Shovel, Drill and Blast and Dragline Planning, Design and Scheduling.
- What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
I was lucky enough to attend an all-girls high-school, so International Women’s Day has always had a lot of significance to me. To me, it’s a chance to celebrate those wonderful women around you or who have inspired /helped you to get where you are. It’s also a chance to reflect on your own journey and to recognize we still have a way to go to gender equality.
- What does this year’s theme ‘Each For Equal’ mean for you?
Human rights are women’s rights. And I’m both. One of my favourite quotes on this subject is “No country can ever truly flourish if it stifles the potential of its women and deprives itself of the contributions of half its citizens” – Michelle Obama. Basically, we’ll never have equality if only half the population is working for it. Feminism is for everybody!
- How do you overcome challenges in gender equality?
I don’t accept gender inequality in my life. I’ve been lucky so far and I surround myself with a support network that doesn’t see gender as an issue. I think if you approach any situation with the expectation of being equal and don’t accept anything less, you can shift the gender inequality conversation. Instead of you being a “failure” for your gender, you can switch it to a “failure” on the person/group who want to treat you differently. And who wants to be a failure! Maya Angelou said it eloquently: “A wise woman wishes to be no one’s enemy; a wise woman refuses to be anyone’s victim.”
- Do you have a role model/icon you look up to empower you when you face challenges in inclusion?
Michelle Obama – what an inspiration!
- What’s your pledge to women in 2020 – how are you going to contribute to closing the gender gap?
I won’t shy away from uncomfortable and/or tough conversations, especially around money. Know your worth and demand it from those around you.
We look forward to showcasing more incredible MEC Mining women soon – stay posted!
#WeareMECMining #IWD2020 #EachForEqual