EXCURSION • that it was these key elements that enabled me to progress at the pace that I did within the industry . Being the HR manager was not a conscious goal for me , but what made the difference is that I embraced the opportunities , when the doors opened – as daunting as they were at the time – and I was blessed to be surrounded by people that I could count on to guide me through those processes . Our general manager at the smelter , Riaan Cilliers , has been one of the leading figures in my journey and still mentors me to this day .
SM : What has your greatest challenge been ? FH : My greatest challenge to date has been to get other women on board . I think one of the biggest challenges for women leaders in the industry is to get other women to support you , when you are at the top . It is a very sad fact that even in this very male dominated environment , women can sometimes make the environment even more challenging for their fellow female colleagues . The bullying and the harassment often spoken of in the mining industry , doesn ' t always come from male counterparts , but often unfortunately , comes from female counterparts .
I therefore set out to introduce programmes into my company ’ s work environment that seek to build character and networks of women , with the understanding that , if we don ' t do this together , we won ' t be able to uplift the next generation of females . There are so many opportunities available for women in the industry . If we align ourselves with each other , we can encourage and inspire each other to develop to our best potential .
We run an amazing programme to this end called a ‘ we lead circles ’ at Glencore . It entails a facilitated process enabling women in the same business unit to sit together to talk about their challenges and come up with solutions to close those gaps and to set goals for themselves . It is in these forums that we see an immediate mind shift and positive results that benefit all stakeholders .
SM : I believe that in your current role you have successfully led wage negotiations for the western smelters for the past six years without any labour unrest . Please expand a little for us . FH : My involvement in wage negotiations and mediation started very early on in my career . As an HR practitioner , Roux was my HR manager at the time and was responsible for wage negotiations for the group . He always included me , and right from word go he believed in me and encouraged me to shadow him as much as possible , and I am so grateful for his inclusion and direction . When I was promoted to HR manager at the smelter , the HR Chief People Officer gave me the opportunity for the first time to lead the negotiations and I have done so ever since . That initial exposure to earlier negotiations has stood me in good stead .
SM : Please share with us one of your career highlights and the reasons why it stands out for you . FH : Being listed among the top 100 Global inspirational women in mining UK for 2022 / 23 by Women in Mining UK ( WIM UK ) 2 was a recent highlight for me . It took me by surprise – I have always looked up to the women who have made it onto the list , and I have often nominated women to be part of the initiative . Being placed on that list has allowed me a space in which to inspire other women – for them to understand that they too can be acknowledged for the difference they can make in the industry in roles other than that of CEO , director or engineer . It gives one a sense of fulfilment to be acknowledged as a trail blazer , as it opens the door for others to follow .
It has been so worthwhile being involved in other initiatives outside of work , like this one , as this recognition has opened many more doors for me . Senior stakeholders in the company have noticed what I stand for , I have been invited to speak at conferences like this and this in turn has allowed me meet and network with more women .
SM : If you could advise an ambitious woman entering the mining industry , what would you share with her based on lessons learned ? FH : I would say – ‘ Be your authentic self , but also transparent and adaptable . Never limit yourself to your core role and do the things that make you uncomfortable .’ We often shy away from putting ourselves forward for a challenge because it is a new or an uncomfortable space to be in . This philosophy has worked for me – I have never just been an HR manager I have always been involved in core operation and have taken every opportunity to experience all the facets of the business .
It is also important to remember that mining is a tough environment , so do not be overly sensitive about things , rather teach people ‘ how to treat you ’. There is still lots to be done when it comes to diversity , equity and inclusion in our industry . But , consider this , females possess a superpower – we have an innate ability to nurture and to bring people on board , and so , to influence thinking . We should harness this to change the landscape . When you touch someone ’ s heart , you can move mountains .
Hayat lives by her mantra : ‘ always serve others with humility and kindness , because it ’ s in those acts of service that you find the very essence of life .’ •
References :
1 . Pinpoint Stewards is a 100 % women-owned conference company with a mission to create a platform that gives visibility to current and upcoming women leaders within the mining sector .
2 . Women in Mining UK ( WIM UK ) is a non-profit volunteer organisation dedicated to promoting the employment , retention and advancement of women in the mining industry by advocating and speaking for women in the mining sector and more chrome-extension :// efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj / https : // www . womeninmining . org . uk / wp-content / uploads / 2022 / 11 / WIM _ 100 _ Publication-2022 . pdf The biennial 100 Global Inspirational WIM , ( WIM100 ) list was first launched in 2013 by Women in Mining UK .
Be your authentic self , but also transparent and adaptable . Never limit yourself to your core role and do the things that make you uncomfortable .
A few of Fatima Hayat ’ s top achievements :
• First HDSA female and the youngest to be appointed at Glencore into a senior management role
• Selected as HR manager of the year within the Glencore Alloys group
• Successfully led wage negotiations for the western smelters for the past six years without any labour unrest
• A finalist at the PCG Fabulous Women Global Impact Awards
• 100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining UK nominee for the 2022 / 2023 year .
www . africanmining . co . za African Mining Publication African Mining African Mining • January 2024 • 23