Application of this policy can already be seen in the recruitment processes, as the only criteria taken into account when assessing candidates are their education, professional background and suitability for the job. This approach is defined by the "Declaration on Diversity of KGHM Polska Miedź S.A." and the "Code of Ethics of the KGHM Polska Miedź S.A. Group".
One of the elements of personnel policy at KGHM is gender equality in access to jobs. It is a conscious business strategy to take on the best candidates. KGHM also provides everyone, both women and men, with the same opportunities for professional development and the raising of their qualifications, and the same promotion path is open to all employees.
KGHM employs over 18 thousand people in its Divisions in Poland, of which more than 1300 are women (7% of the workforce). This is due to the specific nature of the mining and metallurgical industry, where historically mainly men were employed due to the difficult working conditions requiring high physical strength. This is not only a Polish peculiarity, as such a situation occurs in companies in the copper sector and in the entire mining and metallurgical industry worldwide.
Historically, there was a ban on the employment of women underground in mines in Poland since 1975, and this was a direct consequence of the Labour Code. A more flexible approach has only been in place since Poland joined the European Union in 2004. The situation has therefore affected both the educational opportunities for women in mining professions and the entire career path in the industry.
Every year KGHM invests heavily in innovation, in implementing modern technologies, which allows us to think realistically about increasing the number of women employed in production. Women in KGHM work, for example, in engineering positions or in research units, and are often found in the mines, where, for example, they manage mining operations, ensure safety in the mines and carry out geological and investment work
Women in KGHM Polska Miedź S.A.
And they are gaining international recognition. Kamilla Słowikowska, a specialist in metallurgical technology in KGHM, was recognised in 2018 for her contribution to the development and education of young engineering and technical personnel in the publication "Women in Mining". This was the first time that the global mining industry had honoured a woman from Poland.
KGHM Polska Miedź does not place any barriers on women’s employment and offers excellent conditions for developing their professional qualifications.
Kamilla Słowikowska, KGHM Polska Miedź S.A.