Asha Mambo: Championing Diversity in Tanzania’s Mining Engineering Sector
Asha Mambo is a distinguished Mining Engineer with over 15 years of experience, recognized as the first female Underground Superintendent in Tanzania. Currently, she leads Orica Tanzania Limited and advocates for women’s representation in the mining industry. Asha mentors aspiring female engineers, addressing challenges they encounter and promoting inclusive workplace policies to foster gender diversity.
Asha Mambo is a Mining Engineer with over 15 years of experience specializing in open-pit and underground mining operations. She began her career in 2009 and has worked with notable companies like Mbeya Cement and Barrick Gold Corporation. Currently, she serves as the Territory/Country Manager for Orica Tanzania Limited, where she oversees operations in Tanzania, and has made significant contributions to the mining industry.
Her journey in mining is marked by her historic achievement as the first woman in Tanzania to hold the position of Underground Superintendent at Barrick North Mara Gold Mine. Asha is recognized for her results-oriented leadership style, which emphasizes efficiency and safety in mining operations.
Asha Mambo holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mining Engineering from the University of Dar es Salaam and a Mining Manager certificate from Western Australia. She is actively involved with professional organizations, such as the Engineers Registration Board and the Institution of Engineers Tanzania, advocating for diversity and empowerment within the mining sector.
In a field traditionally dominated by men, Asha is committed to promoting women’s participation in mining. She prioritizes hiring qualified female candidates whenever possible and actively mentors women in the industry to nurture their careers. Asha believes diverse teams drive innovation and performance within organizations.
Reflecting on the theme for International Women’s Day, Asha stresses the importance of supporting and celebrating women to accelerate their impact. She advocates for clear action plans that enable women to fulfill their potential in mining and encourages companies to foster environments conducive to women’s advancement.
Currently, Asha mentors seven women in mining, offering guidance and support. She identifies challenges such as bias, the lack of mentorship opportunities, and work-life balance issues that hinder women’s progress. Asha calls for mining firms to implement equal treatment policies and establish mentorship and networking platforms.
Asha cites Refiloe Kekana, her former leader at Orica, as a role model, admiring her inclusive leadership approach and commitment to supporting women. She emphasizes the need for flexible working arrangements to retain talented women in the industry, particularly those balancing work with family responsibilities.
Asha Mambo’s dedication to mentoring and advocating for women in mining highlights her significant role in driving gender diversity. Her journey serves as an inspiration, demonstrating her commitment to creating a more inclusive mining sector, which is supported by organizations like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Asha Mambo exemplifies leadership in the mining industry, where she advocates for gender diversity and supports women’s advancement. Her mentorship and commitment to creating inclusive environments are valuable contributions to the field. By addressing barriers women face and promoting equal opportunities, Asha is shaping a path for future generations of female mining engineers. Her efforts not only enhance diversity but also improve overall industry performance.
Original Source: www.thecitizen.co.tz
