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International Women in Engineering Day

June 23, 2024

SRK Voices

In celebration of International Women in Engineering Day 2024, we share voices from our remarkable female engineers across our offices.

Celebrating 50 years in business, SRK embraces its inclusive culture that empowers specialists of all genders to build their businesses through employee ownership. As we celebrate International Women in Engineering Day, SRK continues to draw in the best minds with a shared professional curiosity and commitment to engineering excellence.

The interviews below highlight key perspectives and advice from women in the engineering field, speaking on their diverse experiences, challenges, and achievements.

 

In this interview

  • Heather Thomson, Principal Consultant (Tailings Engineering) – SRK Australia
  • Diane Walker, Principal Consultant (Geotechnical Engineering) – SRK Australia
  • Joanna So, Senior Consultant (Tailings Engineering) – SRK Australia
  • Eluara Jardim, Draftsperson – SRK Australia

Michelle Miles, Consultant (ESG)

Michelle Miles, Consultant (ESG) – SRK UK 

Michelle joined SRK in 2021 before transferring from the Johannesburg office to the UK in 2023. She is an ESG consultant and contributes to multidisciplinary projects along with mining permitting projects.

On Diversity

Diversity is such an important factor as it exposes people to different ways of thinking. By understanding people from different backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, and cultures, we are equipped to better understand our clients and projects."

On Uplifting Others

To me, uplifting others means empowering them, giving them a voice, and supporting them through obstacles. Everyone should have a voice and feel empowered to share their opinions and thoughts."

Sabine Anderson, Principal Consultant (Due Diligence)

Sabine Anderson, Principal Consultant (Due Diligence) – SRK UK

Sabine first joined SRK in 2005 and re-joined in 2013 as a principal consultant in project evaluation with a focus on economic assessment of mining projects. Sabine is currently the business unit leader for the Mining Department.

On Resilience

I have encountered various challenges throughout my career in the predominantly male mining industry. Early on, there were legal restrictions that prevented me from working underground operations, and I often felt the need to prove myself. As a young woman, being one of the few females in a large group of men sometimes led to doubts about my capabilities. Occasionally, there were preferences for a male colleague over me, which reflects broader industry biases rather than individual intentions. These experiences highlight the unconscious biases that can exist in any industry. Despite these hurdles, I believe in the importance of resilience and the power of small, positive changes to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone."

On Supporting Others

Supporting and encouraging others is a win-win. It is rewarding and builds meaningful relationships. I think it is important to listen and understand what people need to thrive and do what we can to allow individuals to grow."

Advice for Women in Mining

Trust in yourself and never accept giving up. As you progress in your career, it will be your turn to make a difference to others."

Zhanna Beibitova, Project Management Assistance, SRK Kazakhstan

Zhanna Beibitova, Project Management Assistance, SRK Kazakhstan

Zhanna joined SRK Kazakhstan in 2019 as a project management assistant.

On Encouraging Women in Mining

To encourage more women to take up careers in the mining sector, I believe the key is to boost engagement at an early stage in education. If school children were to see women, it would inspire more women to pursue successful careers in this industry."

On Industry Changes

SRK is an example of an international company that operates in Central Asia and is demonstrating positive inclusion for women. SRK is a friendly space for women to develop, and we are encouraged at all grades to take part and pursue various opportunities to realize our full potential."

Alina Anisimova, Consultant (Geology), SRK Kazakhstan

Alina Anisimova, Consultant (Geology), SRK Kazakhstan 

Alina joined SRK Kazakhstan in 2019. She is responsible for geological resource modelling and works on copper and gold deposits in Central Asia.

Overcoming Barriers

The mining industry in Central Asia is mainly male-dominated, and some clients have a bias towards a young female geologist. However, it was important for me to emphasize my professional qualities despite my age and gender to change their attitude towards me."

Message to Women in Mining

The mining industry is expanding and improving, and it is always open to women. Take on this challenge with courage and demonstrate your excellence and aspiration. If you are not comfortable with the working conditions, do not miss the opportunity to change the system for the better."