T he South African mining industry is undergoing a transformation, with a growing number of women entering the traditionally male-dominated working sector. While this influx of female labour presents a promising opportunity for diversification and economic empowerment, a significant barrier to entry for women persists in the form of inequitable access to gender-appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Companies in mining have a heightened legal and moral obligation to ensure the safety and well-being of women workers, which includes the provision of PPE designed specifically for the female form.
The current lack of such PPE creates a concerning gap that must be urgently addressed to create a truly inclusive and safe work environment for all. Awareness and cost as obstacles to progress Despite a surge in demand for women’s safety wear in recent years, significant hurdles to widespread adoption persist in the mining industry, with one of the primary challenges being awareness. Traditional PPE suppliers often prioritise high-volume sales of generic, male-oriented safety wear.
This lack of awareness often extends to procurement officers within mining companies, who may be unaware of the existence of women’s PPE options. Cost also plays a role in procurement decision making, as gender-specific PPE can sometimes carry a higher price tag due to lower production volumes. Nonetheless, opting for unisex alternatives isn’t the cost-effective solution procurement managers t.
