Forevermark released a new Responsible Sourcing ‘In Focus’ story

Forevermark released a new Responsible Sourcing ‘In Focus’ story on the occasion of this year’s International Women's Day. The story featured Zimele entrepreneur Sophia Mphuthi along with engine operator Alice Mandiwana. The 2016 International Women’s Day campaign theme is “Pledge For Parity” and Forevermark’s Responsible sourcing in Focus story echoes to the theme, featuring two inspiring women that have made a career in an area traditionally owned by men: driving.

Sophia Mphuthi began her own business as a driving instructor and with the support of De Beers’ Zimele programme, extended it in Kimberley, South Africa from car to truck driving. She now offers free training to women, opening for them a new world of opportunities. Alice Mandiwana, a trained firefighter, was offered training to become an engine operator at De Beers’ Venetia Mine in the Limpopo Province, South Africa and is now one of the mine’s top performing drivers.

Annie Griffith, an award winning photo journalist, documented Forevermark responsible sourcing practices, touring Southern Africa last summer. “That diamond on your finger has been through an incredible journey, and some incredible women have helped to put it there,” she said. Annie added, “There is such a strong connection between diamonds and conservation. I could also witness how much diamonds benefit local communities, especially women.”

Forevermark, as part of the De Beers Group of companies takes pride in supporting local employment and career development for women, who represent 23.8 per cent of the De Beers Group of Companies workforce, against 16 per cent in the mining industry as a whole. As a result of several programs designed to develop and retain female talent, De Beers Consolidated Mines was named South Africa’s Top Gender Empowered Resources Company at the Standard Bank Top Women Award last year.

Forevermark Chief Executive Stephen Lussier comments: “Women wearing Forevermark Diamonds can take pride in the advancement that our diamonds bring to women living in producing countries. Women play a strategic role in our diamond journey and we are pleased to highlight their important contribution not only in the diamond industry but also in local communities.”