Why gender matters - Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining ...

Introduction
About this guide
The idea for this guide originated from a specific site based request within
Rio Tinto for information on incorporating gender considerations into a
social baseline study. Advice was also sought regarding the development
of gender appropriate programmes, located both within the business and
the local community.
A vast amount of information
and literature is available in
the academic and mainstream
development sectors about
gender and development (see
Part 3 and Part 4 of this guide).
However, resources that provide
practical guidance for how to
integrate gender considerations
into mining and community
development are not as common.
Communities practitioners
and other personnel need
accessible and applicable tools
to guide and help them in the
development and implementation
of gender sensitive approaches
and programmes specific to
the mining industry. Rio Tinto
therefore embarked on the
development of this guide.
The process of developing the
guide enabled a conversation to
occur within Rio Tinto about its
gender and Communities work
globally. These discussions have
helped lay a foundation for building
organisational knowledge and
capacity in this area. They have
also ensured that the content is
relevant to Rio Tinto staff working
in the field. Going forward, the roll
out of the guide will be important
for ensuring “take up” at the
operational level and for continuing
the conversation about “why
gender matters”.
Methodology
In order to capture international
perspectives on mining and
gender and to promote good
practice concepts, approaches and
experiences, the Rio Tinto internal
working group endorsed the idea
of having an External Advisory
Panel. Five specialists were
invited to participate based on
their knowledge and experience
of mining and gender issues.
The panel members were drawn
from Australia, Southern Africa
and South America. During the
development of this guide, input
was provided by the External
Advisory Panel at various points.
Their insights and suggestions
have been invaluable and
were taken on board wherever
possible. However, some points of
difference remain. The External
Advisory Panel members have
been supportive of the process
and the changes that had to take
place during the course of the
project. Their listing in the front
of the document does not in any
way suggest full endorsement of
the content.
The original project scope called
for a set of detailed case studies
drawn from a number of Rio Tinto
sites around the world. They were
to be undertaken in collaboration
with local research partners.
A methodology for site based
research was developed by the
University of Queensland’s Centre
for Social Responsibility in Mining
(CSRM), with input and advice
from the External Advisory Panel.
For a variety of reasons, detailed
case research was unable to
happen. Instead more descriptive
high level vignettes prepared
in consultation with Rio Tinto
sites are presented to support the
discussion and guidance offered.
There is little doubt that in depth
field research that captures
the perspectives of a range of
stakeholders, including local
women and men, would serve to
deepen our knowledge of gender
and mining in Rio Tinto and may be
undertaken sometime in the future.
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