Building an inclusive future with AI and education: IDWGIS 2026

As part of Anglo American’s broader inclusion and diversity ambitions, we strive to build environments where everyone can thrive. We know that our long‑term performance is strengthened when women are fully able to reach their potential, and therefore Anglo American is actively engaged in supporting women and girls in the workplace and in the communities where we operate.

Alison Atkinson, Chief Projects & Development Officer, said: “As a woman in STEM, I’ve seen first-hand how powerful it is when we’re given the space to lead, to question and to innovate. We’re not just shaping the future – we’re rewriting the rules so that more women and girls can step forward with confidence and thrive.”

Women lead the way in ethical and responsible AI

Across Anglo American, women are leading the way – driving progress in science, technology and innovation, and shaping how we responsibly integrate emerging fields like artificial intelligence (AI) into our work.

Last year, Anglo American joined forces with Women in Mining UK (WIM UK) to host an event at our London headquarters, spotlighting the important topic of AI, Ethics and Compliance: an open dialogue. The event brought together professionals from across industries: mining, finance, law, technology, and beyond, to explore the ethical dimensions of artificial intelligence and its growing role in corporate governance.

AI is reshaping how the world works. From predictive maintenance to generative design, it is changing how we solve problems, make decisions and create value. In a model where humans and machines work side-by-side, new skills, new ways of working and new expectations are required. The opportunities are vast but like any new technology, AI comes with risks.

The panel featured voices from a wide spectrum of experience, with each offering unique perspectives on the ethical deployment of AI. Their insights underscored the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration in shaping policies that are both principled and practical.

Anglo American is a proud Foundation Partner of Women in Mining UK and the AI, Ethics and Compliance event was co-organised with WIM UK alongside our colleague network Women@CHS, with Alison Atkinson, Chief Projects & Development Officer, as its Executive Sponsor.

Transforming schools into innovation hubs in Peru and Chile

We recognise that education plays a fundamental role in equipping and inspiring inspire more women and girls to pursue careers in science. In the communities where we operate, Anglo American is committed to supporting local education to strengthen socio-economic development in our regions of operation, driving both social progress and economic growth. That is why we are committed to implementing whole-school approach programmes that enhance educational quality from early childhood through secondary education.

Using a partnership-focused approach, in Peru, through the ‘Reimagina’ programme, and in Chile, through the ‘Modelo Pionero’ initiative, we aim to transform schools into innovation hubs – places where students continuously develop real-world projects that benefit their communities. Science plays a fundamental role in this transformation, as it is key to tackling critical local challenges such as environmental conservation and technological development. We seek to drive change from early childhood through primary and secondary education.

Creating spaces where women lead and succeed

At Anglo American, we are proud to be part of the FTSE Women Leaders Review, an independent, business-led framework supported by government, which sets recommendations for the UK’s biggest companies to improve the representation of women on their boards and leadership teams.

It reflects our unwavering commitment to equity, inclusion and leadership diversity, ensuring that women have equal opportunities to thrive. By driving fair representation, we foster innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth by building a workplace where everyone can flourish.

Our Chief People & Organisation Officer, Monique Carter, is a member of the steering group of FTSE Women Leaders, and plays a key role in contributing to and shaping an agenda which supports and enables women leaders across many industries.

Building an inclusive and empowering culture

We are committed to creating a workplace where women are recognised for their contribution and have the opportunity to succeed at every stage of their careers.

As we mark the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we are reminded that the progress we seek is already taking root across our organisation. Women are leading, innovating and shaping the future of our industry, and our ongoing efforts – in the workplace and in our communities – continue to strengthen that momentum. By championing inclusion, supporting education and fostering innovation, we help advance the vision of this year’s IDWGIS theme and contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future.

Learn more about our approach to inclusion and diversity.