Fatimatu Iddrisu Shares Her Journey and Career as a Geologist
Fatimatu Iddrisu is currently a Geologist at Newmont Goldcorp Ghana.On site, theoretical knowledge from her undergraduate studies is employed in the monitoring of drill programs, monitoring drill hole deviations, core logging, plotting of geological data to cross-sections and in generating geologic interpretations and models. Fatimatu has been an active member of Women and Allies Network- Ahafo branch since joining Newmont in 2017, where she contributes and inspires young ones through mentoring programs, female hygiene programs, and general discussions related to women. She is a co-founder and Vice President of the Administration of GrandHedge International, a Ghanaian non-profit organisation devoted to taking actions to transform livelihoods and build sustainable economic opportunities for local communities.Fatimatu is a member of the Ghana Institution of Geo-scientists, Women in Mining – Ghana, Young Africa Leadership Initiative Network, and an associate member of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. She attended the University of Mines and Technology in Ghana and has been involved in numerous community service projects, mentoring sessions and teamwork projects that have benefited local communities in and around the Western Region of Ghana.I had an up-close interview with her to learn more about who she is and what she does.
Can you tell me a little about yourself?
My name is Fatimatu Iddrisu. I had my basic education at Queen Egyimah International School in Obuasi, Ashanti Region and continued to Yaa Asantewaa Girls’ Senior High School in Kumasi where I studied General Science for my secondary education. I then finally moved on to the University of Mines and Technology, Tarkwa in the Western Region of Ghana where I pursued a BSc. in Geological Engineering. I’m a very determined, self-motivated, results and quality driven individual. I’m passionate about leadership, entrepreneurship, science, technology, innovation, humanitarianism and enthused about emotional intelligence.
What were your aspirations when you were little?
From basic school through to secondary school, I always thought of being a Medical Doctor, probably because I had very little knowledge of STEM careers. Seeing that I needed guidance on the choice of a suitable career, I spoke to my big sister who advised and convinced me to pursue a Bachelor's degree programme in Geological Engineering. Being an inquisitive person, I read about the programme and what it entailed – and it felt interesting. By my final year in secondary school, I had other options aside medicine and or biological sciences to choose from. So Geological Engineering it was when I finally gained admission in to the University of Mines and Technology, Tarkwa – Western Region of Ghana! Initially, I was enticed by the prospect of making a lot of money as a geologist. However, with my experiences as a student leader, and achievements in diverse areas during the course of my undergraduate studies at the university, I feel proud about myself now. I realise now that I made the right choice and I am satisfied with my career decision.
What was it like pursuing the program? Was it tough? Were you the only lady in the class?
For me pursuing Geological Engineering was just okay (bitter sweet, maybe). I enjoyed the reading aspects and the field trips. I love reading so it was natural that I enjoyed that aspect of the program. The field works and trips made it possible for me to envisage what the profession looked like. The academic tutor/student ratio made it possible for me to discuss pertinent academic issues with my academic tutor who was akin to my guardian on campus. As the days went by, I began to explore club societies and activities through leadership roles. I participated in quite a lot social community service projects because I realised I could project my love for science and technology from the classroom as well as humanitarianism to help people in deprived communities. It was quite tough as it was highly likely that in the journey to attaining academic excellence one would struggle a bit blending academics with co-curricular activities - well at least I did. Fortunately or unfortunately, I wasn’t the only lady in my class, I think we were 10 out of 53.
Who can you say contributed to how far you have come? In what way did they help you?
Allah, first for His guidance and protection. Then my family who provided me with all the basic necessities of life and supported me in any decision I took as far as my education was concerned. My teachers - they guided, motivated and instilled discipline in me for excellence. They still support me a lot in anything I do.
Dead or alive, if you had the opportunity to meet anyone who would it be and why?
Beatrice Opoku Asare, Global Director for Inclusion and Diversity – Newmont Goldcorp Corporation. Beatrice inspires me a lot. When I look at how she’s made it to such a rank at a younger age; I just feel motivated that I too can do same (it doesn’t matter how young I think I am).
What do you do now and why do you do what you do?
My vision is all about creating significant positive impact in the lives of people. Aside working as a geologist and volunteering for Grandhedge International, I grab any opportunity I get to interact with people on emotional intelligence; because for me it is the skill that makes the difference as far as success is concerned. I also avail myself to mentor young ladies like myself with their career decisions.
What is your typical day at work like? Do you think we need more women in the mining industry? If so, what do you think can be done to have more women in the industry?
It’s quite flexible but challenging. As with most mining jobs, there are safety procedures you must always be conscious of to protect yourself and others. Again, being the only lady amongst my teammates, I am challenged to give my utmost best so that other young women like me could also be given the opportunity to work in these male dominated industries. I believe in providing equal opportunities for all. Dr. Kwegyir Aggrey once pointed out, “To educate a man is to educate one, but to educate a woman is to educate the whole nation.” Projecting this saying into the field of mining, I strongly believe that we need more women given the current under-representation of women in the industry. I think a lot could be done to attract more women into the field. For example, young women in the basic, secondary, and tertiary institutions could be mentored or coached by experienced professionals in the mining industry to guide or direct them in some, if not all decisions related to career choices, progression and advancement. This is something that is actually happening albeit at a slower pace. Decision makers and top management of industries could strike a 50:50 cut for both men and women in case of employment opportunities. I also think the focus shouldn’t just be on mining but on other science related fields which are perceived to be difficult by females as well.
What do you think the future of mining will be like in the next 10 years?
More technology-based, less labour intensive and much more cost efficient. There are already major shifts happening that are making mining activities to be more environmentally friendly and less damaging and cost efficient.
Do you have any career goals you are willing to share?
I would like to have more professional experience as a Geologist, as far as geological modelling is concerned. But hey plans change!
Is there anything you are working on or intend to do to get more women into mining or engineering or promote in general?
Currently, my work enables me to use every opportunity I get to share my little experience as a young professional to other young ones. Who knows? Someone might be inspired! I also take every opportunity I get to mentor several young ladies into careers in mining and engineering – quite biased due to my background. I derive great satisfaction from that because it is equally the guidance of someone older and or experienced that enabled me to pick this career I have and how far Allah has brought me.
What would you like to say to any young lady who is considering working in the industry?
Being a woman in male dominated fields comes with its own varied challenges. Through it all, know who you are – that would help you set SMARTER goals for yourself. Be daring – try new and challenging things, be determined to achieve whatever you’ve put your mind to. Be resilient – train yourself to pay very little or no attention to rumours said about you and stay true to yourself, work hard and smart. Last but not least, ignore the small minds, pray and focus on your goals and making them happen!