ENVIRONMENT

Fortescue pledges diversity, inclusivity

Fortescue, in its commitment to fostering an inclusive, diverse workforce – a cause it said it had championed over its history – announced it will be signing the global ParityPledge

 The global ParityPledge aims to bring gender parity to the highest level of business

The global ParityPledge aims to bring gender parity to the highest level of business

The miner will be one of the first companies in Australia to take the pledge, the mission of which is to bring gender parity to even the highest levels of organisations. In fact, under the pledge, companies commit to interviewing at least one qualified woman for every executive position.

CEO Elizabeth Gaines noted that diverse workforces produce the best results when they are supported and encouraged.

"Making this commitment to the ParityPledge builds on Fortescue's practical policies to support women and to foster a workplace that truly embraces diversity," she said. "By focussing on supporting leadership development, the retention of female talent and providing more balance and flexibility in the workplace, we want to ensure that as many women as possible have the opportunity to participate and make a strong contribution to the Australian resources sector."

The mining company currently has a female representation of 50% on its board of directors. In addition, 26% of those in its senior management roles are women.

According to Solomon general manager Jessica Pringle, Fortescue is playing a role in building a "pipeline of women" ready to pursue mining industry careers.

"To benefit from increased diversity in the mining sector, we need to focus on capability as part of the recruitment process and ensure we are building a greater pool of talent," Pringle said.

"Programmes such as Fortescue's Trade Up and Vocational Training and Employment Centres are helping to provide our female team members with practical measures to gain operational and trade qualifications."

Fortescue is a member of the 30% Club in Australia. Launched in 2015, its main objective was campaigning for 30% women on ASX200 boards by the end of 2018.

Additionally, last year the miner was one of six Australian companies recognised for its diverse environment by the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index.

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