The Manager of ArcelorMittal Liberia’s Training Academy, Dawie Loots, has called on companies to adopt deliberate affirmative actions that promote the inclusion of women in industrial and technical fields.
Speaking during a panel discussion held in Ganta on April 21, 2026 to mark the International Day of Women in Industry, Loots said meaningful inclusion can only be achieved if companies actively remove barriers that continue to prevent women from entering the sector.
The discussion focused on practical steps companies can take to encourage women’s participation in technical and vocational careers that have traditionally been dominated by men.
Loots noted that long-standing social perceptions about women’s abilities have discouraged many from pursuing vocational skills and industrial careers. He acknowledged that he once shared the belief that women were not suited for technical and industrial work, but that experience has changed his perspective.
“Women can do exactly what men do,” he said, emphasizing the need for a shift in mindset across society and within the private sector.
According to him, companies must strengthen internal policies that promote inclusiveness and equal opportunity. He said recruitment frameworks should be reviewed where necessary to ensure women are able to compete fairly for positions and occupy roles across industrial institutions.
He cited an example from an exercise conducted during the panel discussion, explaining that affirmative advocacy led to greater female participation. Without deliberate intervention, he said, male participants would likely have dominated the panel and reduced opportunities for women’s representation.
Loots also encouraged companies to create internship opportunities for young people, especially women, even when such initiatives require financial investment and may not deliver immediate returns. He said internships provide exposure, practical learning and a clearer understanding of industrial environments, helping young women define their professional aspirations.
He further emphasized that governments, companies, advocacy groups and civil society organizations all have important roles to play in advancing women’s participation. At the same time, he said women seeking opportunities must demonstrate commitment, seriousness and professionalism in order to build confidence and trust in the roles they pursue.
The ArcelorMittal Liberia Training Academy has increasingly become one of Liberia’s important institutions for developing technical capacity for the mining and industrial sectors.
Established by ArcelorMittal Liberia as part of its broader investment in workforce development, the academy provides practical vocational and technical training for young Liberians seeking careers in mining, engineering, maintenance and industrial operations.
The academy’s training programs are designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry requirements. Through structured technical instruction, practical workshops and exposure to modern industrial systems, trainees acquire the knowledge, discipline and hands-on experience required to operate in demanding mining environments.
Beyond technical skills, the institution is helping shape a new generation of young professionals by promoting workplace discipline, safety culture, teamwork, problem-solving and professional responsibility. These are qualities increasingly essential to the growth of Liberia’s mining sector.
Its growing focus on women’s participation reflects a wider effort to ensure that opportunities in technical and industrial careers become more accessible to all qualified young Liberians.
Training Officer at the academy, Jallah G. Sumoiwuo, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to women’s empowerment, describing it as essential rather than optional.
He said since opening its doors to the public, the academy has trained more than 50 women. According to him, the institution continues to place strong emphasis on competence, quality training and industry readiness.
“The AML Vocational Training Center is committed to creating an environment where young women are encouraged to pursue technical and industrial careers with confidence,” he said.
He explained that this is being achieved through targeted training programs, mentorship opportunities and partnerships with the Liberia government.
Sumoiwuo concluded by calling on all stakeholders to help change outdated perceptions, identify existing barriers and work collectively to create solutions that expand opportunities for women in Liberia’s growing technical and mining industries.
