RAKSHA NAIDOO is a trailblazer in mining, serving as CEO of The Particle Group and Chair of Woman in Mining South Africa (WiMSA). She’s creating pathways for women to lead and succeed, encouraging them to find their voice and take up space in the sector.  Compiled by CONSTANCE SITHOLE.

Transformative leadership  in mining

Naidoo stands as a beacon of transformative leadership in the mining industry. For years, mining has been a male-dominated field, slow to embrace gender diversity. Naidoo has witnessed firsthand the remarkable evolution of women’s roles within this sector. Reflecting on her early days, she recalls, however, this perception has shifted significantly over time. Women are no longer just filling seats; they are emerging as leaders, innovators, and strategic thinkers shaping the future of mining.

Redefining leadership and gender equality

Although progress has been made, Naidoo emphasises that the path to achieving gender equality is still far from over. She argues that the future of mining’s transformation should focus not just on “making room” for women but on completely redefining what leadership means. This new approach to leadership should be grounded in collaboration, empathy, and resilience— traits that women possess in great abundance. Naidoo underscores the importance of the industry establishing ambitious and quantifiable goals to monitor advancement, restructuring leadership pathways to actively equip women for high-level positions, and implementing sponsorship initiatives that extend beyond mentorship to promote genuine advocacy.

Accountability, technology, and inclusive policies

Transformation, she argues, must be driven from the very top, with boards taking accountability and committing to consistent, meaningful change beyond box-ticking. She also highlights the critical role of technology in empowering women and calls for gender-inclusive workplace policies where everyone can thrive.

WiMSA Symposium to be held in July

This year, WiMSA is hosting its annual Symposium in July, a pivotal event for women across the mining sector to share experiences and strategies for overcoming challenges. The 2025 theme, Step Up and Stand Out, reflects WiMSA’s mission to empower women and address silent challenges. The mining sector is transforming, and needs diverse thinkers to drive sustainability and innovation. Naidoo’s message is clear: “Don’t allow fear or uncertainty to hold you back. Mining offers a space for you to grow, lead, and make a difference.” The mining sector is experiencing a significant transformation that requires a range of thinkers, innovators, and leaders to promote responsible development, sustainability, and progress. Naidoo’s message to women is both motivational and pragmatic: your insights and viewpoints are not only welcome—they are crucial. She inspires women to believe in themselves, reminding them that it’s not necessary to have all the answers before entering the field.

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Personal journey: Ambition and resilience

Naidoo’s own journey reflects the ambition and resilience she advocates. When she entered the mining sector, she quickly realised how different this world was, and as she settled, she was determined to make an impact, armed with clear goals and ambitions. Yet, she also learned that failure is an inevitable and valuable part of the process. “Failure is not the opposite of success; it’s a reality and a stepping stone toward it,” she explains. “It’s through our mistakes that we grow, adapt, and become stronger specialists and ultimately stronger leaders.” Mentorship and a genuine passion for empowering others have consistently guided her professional journey. She invests deeply in those she sees potential in, helping them develop into the best versions of themselves. This dedication naturally led her to WiMSA, where she channels her energy into empowering women across the mining sector. 

The power of education  and upskilling

Central to Naidoo’s vision is the power of education and upskilling. She stresses that young women must empower themselves through knowledge, emphasising that there are many rewards in investing in education and skills development. “Women shouldn’t be ignorant about their potential or the industry,” she says. She encourages women to openly discuss their goals and ambitions, noting that visibility is key to gaining support and opportunities. Naidoo also challenges the narrow perception of mining as solely underground labour, highlighting the wide range of careers available—from geologists and chemists to all forms of engineers, doctors, environmental specialists, health and safety professionals, creatives, data analysts, and community engagement officers, amongst a wide range of others.  “Mining needs diverse skills, and women have a place in all of them,” she affirms.  WiMSA further highlights this with the creation of a Career Booklet, that showcases the many faces of women in mining. 

Overcoming obstacles: discrimination and GBV

Naidoo readily acknowledges the obstacles that women encounter in the mining sector, especially discrimination and gender-based violence (GBV). She points out that many women exit the industry due to these problems and the absence of support programmes and safe working environments.  The Minerals Council of SA together with industry partners have focused on creating centres such as the Thuthuzela Care Centres, which support victims. These centres offer comprehensive assistance for individuals who have experienced sexual violence, including medical, psychological, and legal care, yet access remains restricted in numerous mining areas. Naidoo calls for increased funding for these essential services to ensure that all women in mining receive the necessary support. At WiMSA, she stresses the significance of women using their voices to advocate against injustices. “If we do not address the issues we confront, no one else will advocate on our behalf,” she asserts. She contends that addressing discrimination must start with holding leadership accountable and establishing safe, inclusive work environments. 

The importance of  male allies

Naidoo also recognises the importance of male allies in advancing gender equality. “We need each other,” she explains. “Men who understand the value of diversity and inclusion are crucial partners in this journey.” She stresses that true transformation requires collaboration across genders, breaking down outdated stereotypes and building a culture where everyone can contribute their best.

Leadership, sponsorship,  and early education

WiMSA’s work extends beyond the corporate sphere into communities and schools. Naidoo emphasises the importance of early education and mindset change. “Parents have a huge role to play,” she says. “We must teach children from an early age that there is no gender-based roles. Girls can be miners, engineers, scientists, or leaders.” Through career fairs and educational booklets, WiMSA reaches out to young people, inspiring them to consider careers in mining and science. This proactive approach aims to build a pipeline of diverse talent ready to take on the challenges and opportunities of the future.

Hope, resilience, and transformation

Naidoo’s leadership reflects hope, resilience, and transformation. By championing education, empowerment, and inclusion, she is helping reshape mining to reflect its diverse potential. The future of mining is female led. Women must own their journeys, empowered by knowledge, community, and self-belief.

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A powerful affirmation 

“Women don’t need to change who they are to succeed,” Naidoo says. Through WiMSA and The Particle Group, she’s building bridges and creating opportunities. She encourages women to use resources like WiMSA, emphasising that sisterhood, knowledge, and action are key to thriving in mining.