Asha Mambo: Championing Diversity in Mining Engineering in Tanzania

Asha Mambo is a distinguished Mining Engineer in Tanzania with over 15 years of experience specializing in open-pit and underground operations. As the first female Underground Superintendent at Barrick North Mara Gold Mine, she advocates for women’s representation in mining, supports mentorship, and addresses barriers women encounter in the industry. Asha’s commitment to creating equitable opportunities highlights her role in inspiring future generations of female engineers.

Asha Mambo is a prominent Mining Engineer in Tanzania, boasting over 15 years of experience in the industry. She specializes in managing open-pit quarries and underground operations. Since starting her career in 2009 as a graduate engineer, Asha has worked at established companies like Mbeya Cement and Barrick Gold Corporation, advancing to the position of Territory/Country Manager for Orica Tanzania Limited, where she oversees operations in the region.

In her notable career, Asha achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first woman to serve as Underground Superintendent at Barrick North Mara Gold Mine. Her success is attributed to her results-driven methodology, considerable expertise, and ability to lead high-efficiency teams, all while upholding stringent safety standards. She is academically qualified, holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Mining Engineering and a Mining Manager certificate. Asha is actively involved in several professional organizations, including the Engineers Registration Board and the Institution of Engineers Tanzania.

In a male-dominated sector, Asha is a strong advocate for women’s inclusion in mining. She consistently prioritizes hiring qualified women on interview panels and mentors several women engineers to bolster their careers. Asha believes diverse teams foster innovation and improve economic performance, which drives her commitment to increasing women’s representation in the industry.

Reflecting on the theme of International Women’s Day, “Accelerate Her Impact,” Asha emphasizes the importance of collective efforts to celebrate and support women in their endeavors. She recognizes the need for clear action plans to assist women in realizing their full potential in the mining industry.

Asha currently mentors seven women in mining engineering, guiding them through various career challenges. She identifies significant barriers to women’s advancement, including bias, discrimination, limited mentorship options, and work-life balance issues. Asha advocates for mining companies to create supportive policies and mentorship platforms, as well as clear succession plans that facilitate women’s career growth.

Her own role model, Refiloe Kekana, has greatly influenced her approach to leadership, emphasizing respect, humility, and inclusivity. Asha believes that creating supportive environments, particularly flexible working arrangements for women with children, is crucial for retaining talented women in the mining sector.

Asha Mambo’s career and efforts exemplify the transformative potential women bring to the mining industry. Her advocacy for gender diversity, along with her commitment to mentorship and addressing challenges, underscores the necessity of creating an equitable mining sector. Supported by organizations such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, her work serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring female engineers in Tanzania and beyond.

Asha Mambo has emerged as a pivotal figure in promoting progress and diversity within Tanzania’s mining engineering sector. Through her extensive experience and dedicated advocacy for women, she champions the importance of inclusivity and mentorship in a traditionally male-dominated field. As she works tirelessly to address the challenges women face in mining, Asha’s leadership and accomplishments serve as an inspiring example to many.

Original Source: www.thecitizen.co.tz