Gendered Perspectives in Capacity Development and Financial Literacy in the Mining Industry in Mpumalanga Province

Sabelo Merrander Baker () and Ngonyama-Ndou Tl
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Sabelo Merrander Baker: Department of People Management and Development, Tshwane University of Technology, Witbank 1034, South Africa
Ngonyama-Ndou Tl: Department of Human Resource Management, University of South Africa, Unisa 0003, South Africa

Administrative Sciences, 2025, vol. 15, issue 11, 1-13

Abstract: Financial literacy is not just an individual skill but a crucial enabler for sustainable development and gender equality, particularly in historically male-dominated sectors like mining. Despite progress in financial inclusion, women in Mpumalanga’s mining industry continue to face systemic barriers rooted in traditional gender norms, socio-cultural expectations, and a lack of workplace support, limiting their economic participation. Mining, especially in rural areas, often intensifies existing inequalities, making financial empowerment for women even more challenging. This study explores the efficacy of gender-sensitive financial literacy and capacity development programs tailored to women in Mpumalanga’s mining sector. Using in-depth interviews with 12 female employees, the study employed thematic analysis to identify patterns and extract meaning from the participants lived experiences. The research identifies key barriers, including the need for accommodation in the workplace, the impact of cultural norms, and the need for financial literacy. The theorising is made possible through a twin theoretical framework consisting of the capability approach and intersectional feminism, which results in greater understanding about how intersecting identities influence women’s financial empowerment. The evidence underscores the potential of focused, comprehensive financial literacy programs to empower women to overcome these barriers, facilitating individual and community development. In general, the study underlines the critical role of financial literacy in realising gender equality and sustainable development in the mining industry. The research calls for policies and programs to address systemic issues, advancing women’s economic empowerment and creating a more equitable sector.

Keywords: financial literacy; gender empowerment; mining industry; Mpumalanga; workplace inclusion; capacity development; digital barriers (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: L M M0 M1 M10 M11 M12 M14 M15 M16 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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