AngloGold Ashanti’s zero tolerance approach to sexual harassment
AngloGold Ashanti is committed to creating a working environment where our people feel supported and well equipped, mentally and physically, so that they can bring their best and most authentic self to work. This means that every person must feel safe enough to speak up if they see or experience harassment in any form.
Since the 2022 Australian National Inquiry Report into Sexual Harassment and the subsequent “Enough is Enough” Parliamentary Inquiry by the Western Australian Government, AngloGold Ashanti has intensified its approach to sexual harassment, largely driven by our Australian business unit. AngloGold Ashanti Australia established the Safe and Respectful Behaviours Taskforce in 2021, consisting of representatives from operations, the Perth office and our growth and exploration team. The taskforce is taking a holistic, risk-based approach to address how the Company prevents and responds to sexual harassment and assault, and how it encourages and supports people to speak up about the associated psychosocial risks.
Working closely with business partners, industry associations and Western Australia’s mining regulator, the Department of Mines, and Industry Regulation and Safety, the taskforce consolidated the Company’s approach to address and eliminate all forms of harmful behaviour. AngloGold Ashanti Australia has adopted the Minerals Industry Commitment to Eliminating Sexual Harassment and the Industry Code on Eliminating Sexual Harassment. It is also participating in the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia’s safe and respectful behaviours working group to develop the Implementation Framework for Eliminating Sexual Harassment in the Western Australian resources sector.
The Australian business unit has further been involved with the Western Australia Government’s Mental Awareness, Respect and Safety Program, which aims to improve the health, safety and well-being of employees and others in the mining industry. This and the recommendations from the report into workplace culture at Rio Tinto, released in 2022, have informed and guided our discussions and decisions.
Globally, the Company’s new Discrimination and Sexual Harassment Standard was published in 2022, and in July 2022 the “Don’t Cross the Line” sexual harassment awareness campaign was launched at all operations. A dedicated careline was also set up in every business unit to provide confidential trauma support, medical advice and other specialised services, along with an employee assistance programme. The whistleblowing service, which allows for the confidential reporting of misconduct or unethical activity, was rebranded as the Speak-up line, and employees are encouraged to use it to report sexual harassment. Beyond the call to speak-up on sexual harassment, employees are encouraged to report any unacceptable behaviour and to seek help as part of their general well-being. Our zero-tolerance policy and education programmes aim to prevent inappropriate and harmful behaviours. We are also creating solutions for mine sites and in villages to ensure that our facilities are safe and inclusive.
AngloGold Ashanti Australia recognises that greater gender diversity will play a key role in minimising the risk of sexual harassment. Improving gender diversity remains a key focus of the newly formed Women’s Network, an initiative of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee, which is open to all women who work on our sites, irrespective of the employer.
The Australian business unit endorses WORK180, an Australian workplace diversity and inclusion platform with a mission to raise organisational standards so that all women can choose workplaces where they can thrive. It is also promoting a culture of inclusion through Our Pride Ally network, which is a visible trusted support source for the LGBTQIA+ community. Our Pride Ally training is delivered to equip employees with key skills to promote an inclusive culture and act as a source of support for all.
