Empowering future women engineers

A partnership between Kumba Iron Ore’s Women in Mining initiative and innovation ecosystem WomHub is helping young women in the Northern Cape imagine – and prepare for – futures in engineering and technology.

Launched in 2025, the three-year collaboration focuses on creating a stronger pipeline of young female talent in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Through a structured set of programmes, the initiative supports participants from early career exposure through to industry-recognised technical skills.

In its first year, the partnership reached more than 200 girls and young women in Kathu through three flagship programmes designed to inspire interest in STEM, build confidence and develop practical capabilities.

The Ask an Engineer workshop introduces Grade 10–12 learners who are studying mathematics and science to engineering and technology careers. Participants hear directly from female engineers at Kumba, take part in mentoring conversations and explore academic and career pathways through guided exercises.

For learners with a strong interest in STEM, the GirlEng Technovation Camp provides a four-day immersive experience focused on coding, robotics, innovation challenges and collaborative problem-solving. The programme also emphasises confidence-building and leadership development.

The pathway culminates in the Future Skills Programme: a 12-month initiative supporting young women aged 19–21 who are not currently in education, employment or training. Participants work toward the globally recognised Cisco Certified Network Associate certification through a hybrid learning model, with access to laptops, connectivity, technical training in cybersecurity and networking, as well as mentorship and job readiness support.

Dr Pranill Ramchander, executive head of Corporate Affairs and executive: Women in Mining sponsor at Kumba Iron Ore, says the initiative is about expanding opportunity and strengthening the future talent pipeline.

“Through our partnership with WomHub and WomEng, we are not only increasing exposure to STEM careers – we are creating meaningful access to skills, confidence and real opportunities. By investing in young women from our host communities, we are helping build a stronger, more inclusive pipeline for the future of mining and technology,” he notes.

Anjani Harjeven, WomHub/WomEng CEO, shares: “At WomHub, we believe the future of the engineering and mining sectors depends not just on new technology but on the untapped potential of women and girls. We are proud of our partnership with Kumba Iron Ore, which has proven through action that by investing in STEM development today, we are building a robust talent pipeline of female innovators and leaders who will shape the industry for the future we want to see.

“Aligned with this International Women’s Month theme, ‘Give to Gain’, we celebrate the results of our shared commitment of educating high school girls through the GirlEng workshops as they make decisions relating to their future careers as well as driving much needed cyber skills development for a future fit workforce. As we enter the second year of the project, we look forward to deepening this impact in the lives of young women and their communities,” he adds.

Following its inaugural year in Kathu, the programme will expand to Postmasburg in 2026, continuing its focus on strengthening STEM participation among young women in mining communities and building pathways into future-facing careers.