On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate the remarkable women in the tin industry and the advancement of equality in the sector. At ITA, we support women globally in the diverse roles they now occupy, from workers to leaders and from field positions to (remote) offices.
We are proud to see women and men working collaboratively to forge a better future for the tin industry, and we commend ITA members for creating more equal employment opportunities and providing active contributions to women’s empowerment projects in their communities that are driving positive change in Africa, Asia, Europe, South America and Oceania. We also recognise the many women working in vital roles in artisanal and small-scale tin mining around the world.
This is an ongoing journey for the industry. Under the Tin Code, ITA members are committed to addressing gender discrimination, violence and harassment and achieving gender equality through the implementation of the Tin Code Standard 4.2a, 4.2b and 4.3 in line with UN Sustainable Development Goal 5. Since its launch in 2018, we are proud of the improvements in equality and addressing the risk of gender-based discrimination among participants we have seen under the Tin Code.
Here at ITA, we are proud to hold ourselves against the same high standards we expect of the industry. We believe small changes, even at an office level, can accelerate action and help overcome challenges. We are committed to ensuring growth in female leadership, and this year, we are joining the ‘Women in Mining UK’ summer internship programme and offering a position to help us map global tin resources. Our CEO, Helen Prins, reflects: ” Throughout my career in the extractive industries, I have seen many talented women rise to leadership positions. However, I have also seen exceptional women leave due to persistent barriers. As an industry, we must do more to support, retain, and empower women to thrive.” In addition, we have also strengthened our flexible working policies, including maternity. Samantha Munro-McClure, Sustainability Specialist at ITA, states: “As a working mother, it is inspiring to work for an organisation like ITA that values women, acknowledges the diverse roles they can play, and creates space for them to succeed both professionally and personally through its flexible working policies.”
We have the privilege of working and collaborating with many inspiring men and women, both within ITA in markets, technology and sustainability, and among our members and participants in tin mining, processing, smelting and recycling around the world, who support the Tin Code. We recognise that progress happens through partnership—men and women working side by side, combining diverse perspectives to create a more innovative, sustainable, and equitable tin industry.
Industry case study: Mining Mineral Resources
“Mining Mineral Resources (MMR) is deeply committed to empowering women and fostering personal development, both within the organization and across the broader industry. For us, March—Women’s Rights Month—is not just a time to reflect, but a moment to actively engage everyone, both men and women, in celebrating progress. We don’t just offer women a seat at the table; we provide the tools, support, and opportunities for them to unlock their full potential and become key drivers of change for future generations.”
“As part of this commitment, we proudly run an annual internal communication campaign, “TUKO,” which translates to “We Are” in Swahili, one of the national languages of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
MMR being part of the Vinmart Group will always have a platform for women to share their ambitions, insights, and powerful messages on themes that resonate deeply with our core values.
This year, TUKO 2025 highlights the women who shatter stereotypes, inspiring a change in cultural perception in the D.R. Congo. It’s more than a theme—it’s a movement, igniting passion and empowering the future of women in the Tin industry.
We invite you to watch the video of our #TUKO2025 Campaign.”
