Women are increasingly taking on leadership positions in Africa’s mining and construction sectors, signalling a cultural shift despite the ongoing need for greater female representation in male-dominated fields.

At African Mining Week 2025, a panel of female executives highlighted that while legislation has opened doors, their leadership is rooted in merit.

Mentorship is vital for supporting more women in advancing their careers, they said

Anjana Turner, Principal at Anjana Turner Law, emphasised the need for a sustainable talent pipeline, stating: "We must create pathways for women to move into leadership roles."

She stressed that increased female representation in executive decision-making leads to better business outcomes.

Emma Townshend, Executive for Corporate Affairs at Impala Platinum, shared her experiences transitioning from finance to mining, asserting that her gender was not a disadvantage.

She noted: "I’ve been fortunate that my experiences and exposure meant being a female didn’t feel like an obstacle."

Townshend pointed out that influence in the boardroom depends on expertise and value addition, not gender.

Lili Nupen, Co-Founder of NSDV Law, where 70 per cent of the legal team are women, reflected on her experiences as a woman in male-dominated boardrooms.

She stated: "Once your expertise is heard by the room, perceptions change."

Nupen advocated for demonstrating expertise without letting gender become a barrier and highlighted her firm’s flat structure that encourages all members to engage in decision-making.

Nupen challenged stereotypes about women in leadership, acknowledging perceptions of emotionality, while Townshend reframed this trait as a strength, explaining, "There is a time and place for positive emotion in business – it’s a leadership skill."

She added that women’s introspection regarding emotions can positively influence organisational culture.