Mining corporate boardrooms still a male club? experiences and challenges faced by women.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17159/Abstract
Calls for transformation in the mining sector are legislated. Whilst the composition of boards in terms of gender diversity and equal representation has improved, little is known on how women directors experience boardrooms. This research investigated the experiences of South African women in male-dominated mining boards. It questions why women remain marginalised in boardrooms, even when they are as qualified as the men in their respective fields. A multiple case study qualitative research methodology allowed for a comparison of the experiences of women across mining boards.
Interview data from 28 interviews with 16 women and 12 men who serve across six Johannesburg Stock Exchange-listed South African mining companies, were analysed.
Findings show that that irrespective of the qualifications and experience of women, their contribution was often ignored, and they were directed to more social roles. Regardless of race, all women of all experienced gender stereotypingand most were elaborate, as many felt that they had been appointed as tokens and commented on the extent of patriarchal norms.
Strategies are required to ensure that board cultures embrace female talent, where women effectively contribute to decision-making and maximise their talent.
This paper contributes to the theoretical understanding women on boards’s experiences and argues that gender and identity should be studied in relation to the post-colonial history in African countries and advocates for the non-standardisation of women’s experiences. Women have multiple, varying identities, and their experiences require a unique investigation which would enable strategies to overcome barriers, through the implementation of a relevant diversity management programme.
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