Forrester was recognised at the 2014 Women in Resources Awards, presented by the Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA, for altering the way Iluka recruits and trains its workforce to encourage greater diversity.

CME CEO Reg Howard-Smith was on hand to present the awards at the breakfast ceremony this morning, attended by more than 1000 delegates.

Howard-Smith said the awards celebrated inspirational women working in WA’s mining and resources industries, as well as the men and women contributing towards gender diversity.

“By recognising company initiatives and outstanding individuals, the awards inspire others to strengthen the number of women working in the sector,” he said.

“We expect to see more women employed as the sector transitions from construction into a production phase and as women undertake careers which provide potential for career advancement, good conditions and global travel.”

After thanking his family and company for their support, Forrester spoke passionately for the “at-risk” girls within WA’s school systems.

“If we are looking for equality in the workplace and our communities we need to do more for young females,” he said.

“We need to assist them in being work-ready, starting with their school education.”

Forrester was joined by four women recognised for their work within the industry as well as a standout company, St Barbara Mining, which was recognised for its initiative to eliminate the gender pay gap.

The strategy has seen the company reduce its gender pay gap from 43% in 2007 to 15.9% in 2013.

Kyra Bonney of McConnell Dowell was crowned the 2014 outstanding woman in resources.

Bonney, an indigenous woman from the Goldfields, has had an impressive 13-year career in the industry.

When accepting the award, she highlighted the importance of both culture and gender diversity in the workplace.

“Stay true to your policies and strategies and although it may seem hard, don’t give up on the big picture,” she said.

“You are not impacting just one indigenous person that you employ but creating a ripple effect of social and economic change in indigenous families and communities.”

International Women’s Day was celebrated across the country last night and this morning, with awards ceremonies also taking place in Brisbane and Sydney.

BHP Billiton Cannington mine asset president in North West Queensland Laura Tyler has won the top Queensland resources award for women.

Rio Tinto aboriginal relations senior advisor Cate Sims took home the 2014 New South Wales mining outstanding woman of the year.

In Queensland BMA was recognised with the best company initiative award for its mine diversity program at Daunia and Caval Ridge.

While in NSW, Theiss received the outstanding initiative award for its initiatives to attract and retain women in the mining sector.