AWEIK WOMEN IN ENERGY AND EXTRACTIVES SERIES
In conversation with Faith Furaha
- With your extensive academic background in Mining Engineering, along with your experience in academia, what defining moments have shaped your career? How have these experiences influenced your approach to mining operations, and industry leadership?
A defining moment for me came during my early teaching days, particularly when I was teaching Rock Mechanics. As is my custom, I asked students about their expectations for the course. One student responded candidly, saying he hadn’t expected a woman to teach it—assuming, perhaps, that the unit was too difficult for a woman. That moment was a stark reminder of the preconceived notions women face in this field.
It resonated deeply with me, especially thinking about my female students who would eventually face similar biases in the field. From that point on, I committed not just to proving myself, but to paving the way for women in mining, who are still vastly underrepresented. That experience shifted my mindset from simply building a career to actively shaping a more inclusive and equitable future in the mining industry. It made me realize that my presence and success could serve as a catalyst for change.
Another pivotal moment was during my Master’s research. It was rigorous and often pushed me beyond my comfort zone, technically, intellectually, and personally. However, it honed my skills in problem-solving, resilience, and applying theory to real-world challenges. It also strengthened my ability to mentor others, particularly in addressing environmental and sustainability issues within the sector.
Earlier in my journey, my attachment periods at Base Titanium and Magadi Soda Company were also formative. Working under intense environmental and physical conditions taught me adaptability, perseverance, and the importance of teamwork, qualities that continue to shape my approach to leadership, capacity building, and engagement across the mining industry.
- The global shift towards clean energy has placed critical minerals at the center of discussions on sustainability and supply security. From your expertise in mining, how do you see Africa, and particularly Kenya, positioning itself in the critical minerals value chain? What role can women play in this emerging space?
Africa is central to the global clean energy transition, holding about 30% of the world’s mineral reserves essential for low-carbon technologies. For example, the DRC possesses over 70% of global cobalt reserves, a critical mineral for lithium-ion batteries and energy storage. This presents both a major opportunity and responsibility for the continent.
To fully capitalize on this, Africa must move beyond exporting raw materials toward in-country value addition—investing in processing, refining, and manufacturing components like battery precursors. Equally important is prioritizing sustainable and responsible mining practices, with environmental stewardship, transparent governance, and community empowerment at the core.
Kenya, in particular, is beginning to make strategic moves through the recent gazettement of strategic minerals like lithium and graphite. To fully realize her potential, the country needs a clear national strategy for critical minerals development. This could be led by NAMICO or advanced through public-private partnerships that promote investment, local value addition, and benefit sharing. Key priorities include geological surveys, processing capacity, transparent regulations, enabling infrastructure, and streamlining licensing to attract investors and reduce bureaucratic barriers.
Women are crucial to the energy transition, occupying key technical roles in geology, mining engineering, and regulatory oversight, such as serving as Inspectors of Mines. Their expertise strengthens transparency, environmental stewardship, and sustainable practices across the value chain. A special group worth highlighting are women in artisanal mining, who are actively involved in extraction, processing, and managing cooperatives. Supporting their inclusion through access to finance, training, and markets is essential to building a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable mining sector.
- As a woman in the mining—fields traditionally dominated by men—what challenges have you faced in areas such as fieldwork, leadership, or professional recognition? How have you navigated these challenges, and what insights can you share with other women aspiring to excel in this industry, and what practical steps should they take to leverage opportunities in the sector and advance in technical and leadership roles?
Absolutely. Change is never easy, especially in an industry that has historically resisted it. One constant challenge is the initial skepticism I encounter—the need to prove my expertise repeatedly.
A major issue is the perception that women receive opportunities based on gender rather than merit. While gender balance is important, opportunities must be earned through qualifications and excellence. Otherwise, it risks undermining women’s achievements and fostering resentment.
There are also cultural barriers. For example, some artisanal miners hold the belief that if a woman approaches a mine site, the gold will “disappear.” Though scientifically unfounded, this notion has real consequences, denying women access to economic opportunities and excluding them from decision-making roles. Navigating such cultural and structural barriers requires resilience, strategic alliances, and continuous advocacy.
I recall a recent training session with artisanal miners where I was the only female trainer. The initial scepticism was palpable, but within minutes, authentic expertise and genuine engagement broke down those barriers. This experience showed how perception creates hurdles, but real competence and connection overcome them.
To navigate these challenges, I advise:
- Be prepared: Know your craft and be confident.
- Build strong relationships: Seek mentors and allies who support and advocate for you.
- Speak up: Voice your ideas and challenge the status quo.
- Focus on results: Let your work and impact speak for itself.
- Build community: Support and network with other women in the industry.
Most importantly, view every challenge as an opportunity to pave the way for others. By showing resilience and competence, we not only advance ourselves but also open doors for future generations of women in mining.
- AWEIK has played a crucial role in advocating for women’s inclusion in extractives. How has your involvement with AWEIK influenced your professional journey, and what role do you see the organization playing in shaping the future for women in the mining industry, particularly in critical minerals and the energy transition?
Professional networks like the Association for Women in Energy and Extractives (AWEIK) play a vital role in career development and industry impact. They’re not just about exchanging business cards; they’re about building a community, fostering collaboration, and driving positive change.
For me, AWEIK has been an invaluable resource. It’s provided spaces, like forums and workshops, where I can connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds and sectors. It’s not just about meeting fellow mining professionals; it’s about engaging with lawyers, environmentalists, policymakers, and other passionate individuals who share a common interest in the sustainable development of the extractives sector.
And I must say, those cross-sector interactions have been incredibly inspiring. To hear a lawyer speak with such passion about the role of legal frameworks in promoting responsible mining practices, or to learn from an environmentalist about innovative approaches to minimizing environmental impact – it broadens my perspective and ignites new ideas.
These networks provide:
- Networking Opportunities: They create platforms for building relationships with industry leaders, peers, and potential mentors.
- Knowledge Sharing: They facilitate the exchange of information, best practices, and emerging trends.
- Career Advancement: They provide access to job opportunities, professional development programs, and leadership training.
- Advocacy and Influence: They amplify the voices of women in the industry and advocate for policies that promote gender equality and sustainable development.
- Mentorship and Support: They connect women with experienced professionals who can provide guidance and support.
- Parting shot: What key actions should industry stakeholders—including government, mining companies, and academic institutions—prioritize to ensure women’s meaningful participation across the mining value chain? Are there specific policies or initiatives that could drive greater gender equity in mining in general, critical minerals, and the energy transition?
Ensuring women’s meaningful participation across the mining value chain, especially in critical minerals and the energy transition, requires coordinated efforts. Governments must enact gender-responsive policies, mandate equitable benefit-sharing, and enhance data collection on gender participation. Mining companies should set clear representation targets, foster inclusive cultures, provide flexible work arrangements, and champion mentorship programs. Academic institutions play a vital role by promoting STEM education for girls and aligning curricula with industry needs to build a strong talent pipeline. Prioritizing these actions will drive greater gender equity, creating a more resilient, sustainable, and innovative mining sector for the future.