Jarona: A Global Phenomenon

Recognised among the Top 100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining

They say there’s no greater feeling than when one’s work is acknowledged and appreciated and for Kesego Jarona having this experience has been the highlight of her career so far. Jarona has been nominated and named among the Top 100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining by Non-profit organisation Women in Mining (WIM) in the United Kingdom. Jarona is a Senior Mining Engineer by profession and is currently working the Operational Readiness Manager for Orapa Cut 3 project.  According to Jarona, although the nominations opened early this year she was not aware that she has been nominated for the prestigious position because she wasn’t even aware of the competition. When she received notification that she was nominated, she didn’t even respond. “I didn’t know  how big it was until I was engaged by a gentleman called Keith from De Beers South Africa, who explained that I was one of the few from Africa who have made it into the list,” said Jarona. There were over a thousand nominations received and Jarona is one of the only three women from Africa who are in the list this year. “It’s exciting for me and it’s a humbling experience. As much as one is working for his/her family and working to have their career off the ground and gain experience, it was touching for me to realise that at least somebody out there recognised the work that I do,” she said. According to Jarona, hers is a fulfilling job more so that mining is the largest contributor to Botswana‘s GDP.  Being afforded a chance to ensure that this happens, she declares that ‘there is no other satisfaction that can beat this’. Making it into the Top 100 means Jarona will be treated to a lunch in London together with other finalists. The lunch is meant to afford them a chance to interact as peers and share ideas. Her profile will also appear in a magazine that will soon be published by WIM documenting their lives as women in mining sector and showcasing the work they do. Jarona plans to join hands with other women in mining globally to inspire other women in mining and even aspirants who want to join the industry in future. This is the third edition of “Top 100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining” which aims to showcase the significant impact and contribution of women within the global mining industry and identify inspirational role models. WIM (UK) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting the employment, retention and progress of women in the mining industry. Created in 2006, WIM (UK) has a dynamic membership of over 1,500 members who participate in most mining-related businesses and professions. Part of WIM-UK’s role is to speak for women in the mining sector, informing industry participants and decision-makers of the challenges and opportunities women are finding in pursuing careers in mining companies and other mining-related businesses: This entails participating in market meetings and industry bodies and constantly increasing the visibility of our organisation. The search was open to any woman working in the mining sector, including industries related to or supporting the industry.