Asha Mambo, a Mining Engineer with over 15 years of experience, has significantly impacted the Tanzanian mining industry. As the Territory/Country Manager for Orica Tanzania, she supports women in the field by prioritizing female hires, mentoring aspiring engineers, and advocating for equitable policies. Her leadership exemplifies dedication to creating a diverse and inclusive mining sector, inspired by role models like Refiloe Kekana and supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Asha Mambo is a distinguished Mining Engineer from Tanzania, boasting over 15 years of experience in both open-pit quarries and underground operations. Her career commenced in 2009 as a graduate mining engineer, and she has held various roles at notable companies such as Mbeya Cement and Barrick Gold Corporation. Presently, she serves as the Territory/Country Manager for Orica Tanzania Limited, contributing significantly to the industry’s success through her results-driven methods and leadership.
In her career, Asha has made strides in a field traditionally dominated by men. She made history as the first woman to become Underground Superintendent at Barrick North Mara Gold Mine. Asha possesses a Bachelor of Science degree in Mining Engineering from the University of Dar es Salaam and a Mining Manager certificate from Western Australia. She is also an active member of several engineering boards, advocating for gender diversity in mining.
Asha is passionate about empowering women in the mining sector. She prioritizes hiring qualified female candidates during interviews and actively mentors women, guiding them through their careers. Asha believes that diverse teams enhance innovation and economic performance, and she works to improve women’s representation in the industry.
Reflecting on International Women’s Day, Asha resonates with the theme of ‘Accelerate Her Impact’, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to uplift women. She is dedicated to mentoring seven women in mining engineering and emphasizes the challenges women face, such as bias, a lack of mentorship, and work-life balance. Asha insists on the necessity of supportive company policies to foster leadership among women.
Refiloe Kekana, a former leader at Orica, serves as Asha’s role model. She admires Kekana’s humility and commitment to providing opportunities for women in the industry. Furthermore, Asha advocates for flexible working arrangements in remote mining operations to help women balance both professional and family responsibilities. Her journey continues to inspire many aspiring women in mining, underlining her dedication to creating a diverse and equitable landscape in the sector.
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation supports Asha Mambo’s impactful contributions to mining engineering and gender diversity initiatives.
Asha Mambo stands as a pioneering figure in the Tanzanian mining sector, utilizing her extensive experience to promote gender diversity and support women in the industry. Through her leadership and mentorship, she addresses both the challenges women encounter and the need for supportive policies. Asha’s commitment not only enhances representation but also fosters an inclusive environment essential for the industry’s growth.
Original Source: www.thecitizen.co.tz
