Breaking the hierarchy: Exploring intersectional employment strategies in the Australian mining industry for Indigenous women

Abstract

The Australian mining industry is male and non-Indigenous dominated. Indigenous women continue to perceive themselves as occupying the bottom position on the mine site hierarchy. They experience both racism, sexism, and additional burdens to their male counterparts. Indigenous women have resisted and supported each other against racism including creating formal networks across Australia. It is unknown what, if anything, the industry is doing to break down this hierarchy. Given Indigenous employment data is not typically disaggregated by gender, the cohort has remained largely overlooked in terms of policy or strategy aimed at this group. This paper takes an intersectional approach to understanding what employment policy and practice may assist in dismantling the hierarchy. Qualitative research identified three major themes requiring action: Managing intersectional pressures at work; Intersectionality and career opportunities; and Intersectional risks at work.