Diversified miner Exxaro Resources has been recognised in the 2023 Bloomberg Gender Equity Initiative (GEI) – its fourth consecutive year of being recognised. 

The group says it is a testament to its gender equality and inclusion.

“Creating a safe, diverse and equitable working environment is of paramount importance for our business, we value all our staff and take pride in our diversity across gender lines. It is encouraging to know that we maintain such a high gender equity score, especially as a company in a traditionally male-dominated industry,” says Exxaro CEO Dr Nombasa Tsengwa.

Bloomberg’s Gender Reporting Framework uses a standardised global reporting method to acquire comprehensive workplace gender data. The GEI framework defines a set of metrics used to determine a company’s progress towards equal representation of gender through the various employment levels of the organisation. Various global experts submit the Bloomberg social survey to be evaluated on the achievement or adoption of best-in-class statistics and policies, she notes.

“To this end, our impact at scale approach in relation to diversity and inclusion aims to maintain the momentum of transformation, focusing on women, youth and people living with disabilities,” says Tsengwa.

“Our policies and structures that prevent discrimination, harassment and racism protect employees’ human rights. Our diversity and inclusion strategy aligns Exxaro with the South African Constitution and other legislation, the National Gender Policy Framework and the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women,” she adds.

Exxaro human resources acting executive head Hemuna Bhola says she is particularly satisfied with the grading and hopes it will inspire other companies in the mining and energy sector to do more to create equity for all genders.

“We aim to inspire beyond our commercial output. Our goal is to have a gender balanced workforce and to achieve demographic parity,” she notes.