Is There a Place for Women in the Polish Mines?—Selected Issues in the Context of Sustainable Development

Abstract

This article demonstrates the situation of women in the Polish mining industry through the prism of the implementation of sustainable development goals. The conducted analysis allowed us to verify the thesis that the actions that have been taken with the aim of gender equality are not enough, and mining is therefore not sustainable. Despite the fact that regulations have changed over the years, and women are now allowed to undertake jobs in mining plants, the sector is still highly masculinized. This phenomenon was found to be particularly disadvantageous after conducting an analysis of data referring to the number of female students graduating each year in mining and geology majors. It can be concluded, based on information concerning the share of women employed in the mining industry in general, as well as information on several other factors, that the majority of women who have pursued higher education in the field of mining will not find a job in this profession. This phenomenon clearly indicates the necessity of changes in the scope of education, and the need for companies to broaden internship and apprenticeship offers.