Fortescue commemorates International Women’s Day with donation to support family violence victims

Fortescue Metals Group (Fortescue) has marked International Women’s Day by helping to support women and children escaping domestic and family violence in the Pilbara.

Fortescue’s Projects team made a donation of $15,800 to assist the Hedland Women’s Refuge, building on the Company’s ongoing partnership with the organisation which includes direct operational funding.

Director Projects Don Hyma said, “Ahead of International Women’s Day, we are pleased to provide this donation to support critical services for some of the most vulnerable members of the local community.

“Just as we are committed to providing a safe, inclusive workplace for the Fortescue family, we are pleased to support the Hedland Women’s Refuge who are providing a safe haven for victims of domestic and family violence.” 

Hedland Women’s Refuge Manager Gabrielle Marks said, “On behalf of our clients who will benefit from this incredible donation, we are grateful for the support of Fortescue and the Projects team.

“The money will be used to supplement our emergency relief program which encompasses the relocation of women and children at risk, and provide essential relief and support to all those who are looking to restart their new lives and leave the trauma of domestic violence behind.”

In line with the 2020 International Women’s Day theme of #EachforEqual, Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth Gaines said Fortescue continues to be a strong advocate for gender equality in the resources sector and more broadly across Corporate Australia.

“We want to ensure as many women as possible have the opportunity to participate and make a strong contribution to Australia’s resources sector and challenge the perception that mining is a male-dominated industry,” Ms Gaines said.

“Diversity isn’t just the right thing to do, it is the smart thing to do and it is time to change the conversation around diversity from asking ‘why’ to asking ‘how’.

“Fortescue is proud to be leading the charge by building strong talent pools of women, creating a culture which supports diversity through the implementation of practical initiatives to support parents in the workplace and encouraging leadership development for female team members.”