Minister for Women Karen Struthers today launched a new networking website for women working in Queensland’s mining and resources industry.
Sponsored by the Queensland Resources Council, the Women in Mining and Resources Queensland (WIMARQ) website offers a new way for Queensland women working in primary resources industries to keep in touch.
“The website will help to ease the isolation that women can feel working in these male-dominated fields, particularly those working in our regional and remote areas,” Ms Struthers said.
“I commend WIMARQ and the Queensland Resources Council on their commitment to supporting women to enter into and remain in industries which are so vital to the economic prosperity of our state.”
Ms Struthers said the Bligh Government was also working on a range of initiatives to encourage and support women in traditionally male-dominated areas of work.
“Participation rates for females in the mining and resources sector is concerning, with women representing less than 10 % of Queensland’s mining workforce in 2006 – just a 1.7 % increase since 1992,” Ms Struthers said.
“Through the Office for Women’s Women in Hard Hats initiative, the Bligh Government will continue to work in partnership with industry and business to boost education and training opportunities for women and girls in these areas.
“Encouraging more girls and women to consider a non-traditional career path will help to ensure Queensland has a sufficient, skilled workforce to support the industry and expand business opportunities as the economy revives.”
Ms Struthers said the Office for Women’s 2009 awards program – Our Women, Our State Awards – was also designed to further encourage girls and women in these industries.
“The Our Women, Our State Awards will recognise girls and women who are helping to build brighter futures for other females in traditionally male-dominated roles and industries, such as engineering professions in the resources sector.
“Nominations for the awards are now open and I encourage women and girls from across the state to enter.”
Award categories include secondary, undergraduate and postgraduate student awards, an industry and business award, a community and public sector award, an award for encouraging women into environmental initiatives in science, engineering and technology , and an award for promoting Indigenous women’s participation in science, engineering and technology.
For more information about the Office for Women’s Women in Hard Hats initiative and the Our Women, Our State Awards, visit www.women.qld.gov.au or call Women’s Infolink on 1800 177 577, 8am to 6pm weekdays.
Visit WIMARQ’s new website at www.womeninminingqueensland.com
Minister Struther’s office: Martin Philip 3235 4286
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