Professionals from the mining industry met at the offices of Bofill Mir Abogados to discuss the challenges of senior management positions.

• The event was led by Alina Bendersky, partner in Mining and Natural Resources at Bofill Mir Abogados, who moderated a conversation with Gina Ocqueteau, director of SQM, and Paola Cifuentes, Legal Manager at Anglo American Chile, in front of an audience of more than 40 women working in the mining industry.

This event not only provided a platform for discussion of crucial issues, but also highlighted the importance of collaboration and mutual support to build a more equitable and healthy working environment for women in the mining industry.

"The incorporation of more women in leadership positions, especially in such a male-dominated industry that is key to the country's development, is urgent. That is why we focused the meeting on providing keys to know and access top management, which is where the decisions that could accelerate change are made," Alina said.

The event began with a review of the history of women's participation in the industry, highlighting the progress that has been made and the challenges that remain. Then, they reviewed the outstanding careers of both panelists, which allowed them to share their motivations, the obstacles they have faced and their current goals. Both Gina and Paola stated that their energy is focused on continuing to pave the way for those to come.

The cultural issue of the mother's "guilt" with her children, in the context of highly demanding jobs, such as those in mining or senior management, was one of the most profound points. Thus, both the panellists and the guests shared their experiences and advice on how to deal with it, concluding in general that "when your children see you happy, fulfilled, they are less anxious and the guilt gives way", they commented.

Another central theme of the discussion was the importance of mentoring for professional development, especially for senior management. They also emphasised the need to maintain the criteria of flexibility in the workplace as an indispensable tool to promote women's careers, especially with regard to maternity.

Gender quotas were also a significant point of discussion. Their implementation was highlighted as an effective tool to ensure equal opportunities in the mining industry. "It may not be a perfect solution, but it is a necessary and effective measure," said one of the panellists, emphasising that this mechanism has proven to be effective in balancing gender representation in the upper echelons of mining management.