Segilola Resources Operating Limited (SROL) took center stage at the inaugural International Mining Women Conference, held on Thursday, February 20, 2025 at the Abuja Continental Hotel. Represented by Madhurii Sarkar-Amoda, Community Development and Stakeholder Manager, SROL played a key role in advancing conversations on gender inclusion in the mining sector.The conference, hosted by the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and organised by N & G Consulting Firm Ltd, brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and key stakeholders to discuss strategies and explore pathways for increasing women’s participation in mining.

Themed “Empowering Women in the Mining Sector: Promoting Gender Equality, Economic Empowerment, and Investment Opportunities”, the event served as a dynamic platform to explore actionable strategies, foster inclusive growth, and unlock new opportunities for women in the industry.The major highlight of the conference was the keynote address by the Wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, who officially opened the conference, emphasising the critical role of gender equality in driving progress and sustainability within the sector.

During her presentation on "Unlocking Women’s Potential in Mineral Exploration, Exploitation, and Production – the SROL Approach" Sarkar-Amoda, underscored Segilola’s commitment to cultivating a diverse workforce. She spotlighted the company’s pioneering upskilling initiatives, such as the women’s dump truck operator training program, which has successfully equipped women with technical skills to excel in traditionally male-dominated roles. Many of these women have since advanced into supervisory positions, including pit controllers, reinforcing the tangible impact of gender inclusion on industry growth.

Beyond workforce inclusion, Sarkar-Amoda also spoke on SROL’s engagement with young women through a career talk session led by industry professionals and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) leaders. These sessions aim to inspire female students from host communities to explore careers in STEM. Additionally, she highlighted the impact of the Segilola Women’s Initiative Programme (SWIP), which equips female entrepreneurs with essential training and resources to enhance their businesses. SROL has further ensured that in the negotiations of the CDAs, women leaders were involved and women’s needs were represented during key projects.

As the industry continues to evolve, SROL remains committed to fostering an inclusive mining sector where women are empowered to thrive, ensuring that Nigeria’s mining future is one where talent and ambition—regardless of gender—can flourish.