Women in male-dominated industries
Maria Nambahu Asheelo is one of few women working as a mining operator at Rossing Uranium Mine.
Elizabeth Joseph
Originating from Omaalala village in the northern parts of Namibia, Asheelo grew up with her grandmother and had great plans for herself and her future.
Finishing grade 12 at Andimba Toivo Ya Toivo Senior Secondary School in 2007, she had no intentions to rush her future. She joined Rossing in 2011 as a mining operator.
A mining operator is part of the crew at a mining site. They use machinery to drill holes and excavate rocks, coal, metal and other material.
They assist in moving and clearing the excavated material, and are responsible for the maintenance and repair of their machines.
In 2013, Asheelo enrolled at IUM for a finance management course and completed it within four years.
In 2017, she obtained an honors degree in finance management, while still working as a mining operator on three shifts.
Asheelo said she respects her job because it puts bread on the table and she loves being one of the very few women among the men.
“I work 21 days a month, which is seven days on morning shift, seven days on afternoon shift and seven days on night shift. I get five days off every month, so during those five days I spend a lot of time with my family and friends,” she said.
Biggest inspiration
Asheelo said her greatest inspiration will always will be her grandmother.
“When I started this job, I didn’t believe in myself and didn’t think I was capable of operating such big machinery because I was so skinny and I considered myself very young for the job. I also thought that this job was for men. A long lecture from my grandmother, a portion of which keeps on playing in my mind, is what keeps me going,” she said.
“My grandmother used to say ‘my child, go out there and show them what little girls like you can do. Do what is expected of you and remember, hard work never kills and it pays off, not only with money but it comes with respect and courage to others who do not believe in themselves. Go set an example to young women out there’.”
On her off days, Asheelo likes to visit family and friends, travel and spend time indoors. She said she loves helping others with whatever she has.
“I believe no one will ever change the world in one day, but I can change the lifestyles of poor people and provide them with enough food, water and clothes, and educate them on how to provide for themselves in future,” she said.
She also believes that no job is too big for women. All it takes is focus, commitment and believing in yourself, she said.
“If men can do it, we can do it too. Let’s empower ourselves as women, especially in those departments they never want us to be in.”
Fun Facts
She creates a relaxed, open atmosphere at work.
She mostly likes to listen to gospel music.
She can speak Afrikaans and said it was the hardest for her to learn.
The one thing she always takes with her when travelling is her Bible.
She’s the eldest child in her family.
She went on her first holiday to South Africa when she was 27.
Her favourite subjects at school were accounting and mathematics.
Originating from Omaalala village in the northern parts of Namibia, Asheelo grew up with her grandmother and had great plans for herself and her future.
Finishing grade 12 at Andimba Toivo Ya Toivo Senior Secondary School in 2007, she had no intentions to rush her future. She joined Rossing in 2011 as a mining operator.
A mining operator is part of the crew at a mining site. They use machinery to drill holes and excavate rocks, coal, metal and other material.
They assist in moving and clearing the excavated material, and are responsible for the maintenance and repair of their machines.
In 2013, Asheelo enrolled at IUM for a finance management course and completed it within four years.
In 2017, she obtained an honors degree in finance management, while still working as a mining operator on three shifts.
Asheelo said she respects her job because it puts bread on the table and she loves being one of the very few women among the men.
“I work 21 days a month, which is seven days on morning shift, seven days on afternoon shift and seven days on night shift. I get five days off every month, so during those five days I spend a lot of time with my family and friends,” she said.
Biggest inspiration
Asheelo said her greatest inspiration will always will be her grandmother.
“When I started this job, I didn’t believe in myself and didn’t think I was capable of operating such big machinery because I was so skinny and I considered myself very young for the job. I also thought that this job was for men. A long lecture from my grandmother, a portion of which keeps on playing in my mind, is what keeps me going,” she said.
“My grandmother used to say ‘my child, go out there and show them what little girls like you can do. Do what is expected of you and remember, hard work never kills and it pays off, not only with money but it comes with respect and courage to others who do not believe in themselves. Go set an example to young women out there’.”
On her off days, Asheelo likes to visit family and friends, travel and spend time indoors. She said she loves helping others with whatever she has.
“I believe no one will ever change the world in one day, but I can change the lifestyles of poor people and provide them with enough food, water and clothes, and educate them on how to provide for themselves in future,” she said.
She also believes that no job is too big for women. All it takes is focus, commitment and believing in yourself, she said.
“If men can do it, we can do it too. Let’s empower ourselves as women, especially in those departments they never want us to be in.”
Fun Facts
She creates a relaxed, open atmosphere at work.
She mostly likes to listen to gospel music.
She can speak Afrikaans and said it was the hardest for her to learn.
The one thing she always takes with her when travelling is her Bible.
She’s the eldest child in her family.
She went on her first holiday to South Africa when she was 27.
Her favourite subjects at school were accounting and mathematics.
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