Women in Mining Feature Article

Credit: Engineering News and Mining Weekly

Breaking Barriers: Karen Joubert Empowers Women in Mining at Multotec 

In the male-dominated world of mining and heavy equipment manufacturing, Karen Joubert stands tall as a beacon of leadership and empowerment for women. As the Business Unit Manager for Wedge Wire, Steel & Projects at Multotec, she leads by example, promoting gender diversity, inclusivity, and equal opportunities within her team.

Karen plays a pivotal role in the management of the business unit responsible for the manufacturing of wedge wire screen media and trommels for the mining industry at Multotec. The company strives to provide world-class quality products safely, on time, and at a competitive price.

Multotec prides itself on its work environment, and every individual, from the shop floor to senior management, has a valid voice. This culture of open lines of communication and transparency fosters inclusivity, making all team members feel valued and heard, regardless of gender. The Mission Directed Work teams are used as a vehicle that embraces continuous coaching and mentoring as an integral aspect of daily life, channelling team efforts towards implementing “best practices” on the shop floor, ultimately unleashing the full extent of their potential.

“Empowering the women in my team goes beyond mere representation. My focus is on providing equal opportunities for growth and development,” she says. “The company's culture ensures that every team member, irrespective of gender, has the chance to work towards team goals, provide feedback, and receive mentorship and coaching. This commitment to nurturing talent fosters professional growth and business insight, empowering women to reach their full potential.”

Karen takes immense pride in highlighting the notable contributions and achievements of the women in her team. Karen currently leads an overall team of 148 people which includes 15 women, they have made significant impacts within the organisation. Some of the women started their careers at Multotec as learners, contract forklift drivers, and apprentices, and are now excelling in office roles and becoming skilled artisans and planning professionals. Their determination and commitment to personal development are evident success stories.

In the pursuit of gender diversity and inclusivity, Multotec is investing in a company-wide diversity training program. This progressive initiative aims to broaden perspectives, eliminate biases, and create an inclusive work environment that celebrates individual skills and strengths.

Obstacles related to physical strength requirements have been thoughtfully addressed through the factory setup. A variety of lifting equipment, manipulators, and tools have been incorporated to make any job accessible to both men and women, ensuring a level playing field where gender does not become a barrier to career opportunities.

“I firmly believe in the power of mentorship and coaching for all team members. At Multotec, our mission is to provide ample opportunities for guidance and exposure to various business aspects. This culture of continuous learning and support encourages women, alongside their male counterparts, to thrive and excel in their roles,” says Karen.

As a leader, Karen’s management style is collaborative, and her life philosophy revolves around living by Judeo Christian principles, embracing personal growth, and learning from past mistakes. “My message to other women leaders in the South African business community is simple: embrace your uniqueness, stay curious, take responsibility for your growth, and achieve greatness in the face of challenges,” she adds.

In Karen Joubert's journey and the empowering work environment she fosters at Multotec, we witness an outstanding example of how women in mining can not only overcome obstacles but also thrive and make significant contributions to the industry. By championing inclusivity, equal opportunities, and mentorship, she continues to pave the way for a more diverse and successful mining sector in South Africa.