Rebecca Evans’ Post

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Human Resources | L&D | Training Professional

Until 1986, women were not permitted underground or to enter mines in WA. Fast forward to 2022 and according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, there were 45,000 women employed full time in the mining industry in Australia. I am one of those 45,000. Career Fun Day is happening at my daughters school today. Kids go to school dressed as what they want to be when they grow up. I have always told my daughter that education is one of the most important aspects in life as a good education and good grades provides more opportunities and career options when she leaves school. I want her to be able to choose what she wants to do when she leaves school and not be limited. When discussing with her what she wanted to dress up as, she suggested careers like: a Youtuber (so she can play Roblox all day), a Teacher, a Doctor, then a Zoo Keeper (she LOVES Capybaras’). Not once did it cross my mind to limit her choices to typical/historical female type roles. Last night, during a conversation, my father (a retired house builder) commented that he needed help rebuilding a retaining wall as the concrete blocks were quite large and heavy. I offered my assistance to which he replied, “that’s a man’s job”. I was speechless and the look on my face was not a good one. Once I calmed down, I took time to really appreciate the changing perceptions of younger generations (Boomers, Gen X, Gen Y etc) than my fathers (Silent Generation), and that my daughter (Gen Alpha) is growing up knowing that she can do and be anything she wants when she grows up. Hopefully never hearing someone say to her “that’s a man’s job”. I have worked the majority of my career in mining and heavy industry, and over the years have seen more and more gender equality in mining. It is not just a moral imperative, but a fundamental necessity for fostering a fair and inclusive society. Embracing gender equality is a collaborative effort and I commend my daughter’s school for their commitment to dismantle systemic inequalities and create an education system where all kids will grow up thriving based on their merits and talents, rather than their gender. #GenderEquility #WomenInMining

  • Future Capybara Enclosure Supervisor at Taronga Zoo

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