‘I feel empowered’: Young Filipina defies gender norms in Australia’s mining and trades industry

With only 3% of women represented in Australia's trade occupations as of March 2024, Iselle Chua, a 25-year-old Filipina from Darwin, is challenging the status quo. From hospitality to heavy industry, she stepped into a field dominated by men, proving that strength, skill, and resilience are not defined by gender.

With only 3% of women represented in Australia's trade occupations as of March 2024, Iselle Chua, a 25-year-old Filipina from Darwin, is challenging the status quo. Credit: Supplied by Iselle Chua

Key Points

• Iselle Chua works in the mining, gas, and oil sector, often travelling to worksites as both a customer service representative and technician.
• Iselle faces long drives, heatwaves, physical risks, and injuries like back strain. Still, she embraces the job with discipline and confidence, proving that women can thrive in environments often reserved for men.
• Her journey started with her mother introducing her to the field. What keeps her going? A multicultural team that shares her values, a company that supports her, and the satisfaction of being financially independent while supporting her family.

LISTEN TO

‘I feel empowered’: Young Filipina defies gender norms in Australia’s mining and trades industry

SBS Filipino

07:31Filipino

I feel empowered and strong because I don’t just do the typical ‘female’ jobs. I wanted to exceed that.

Iselle Chua

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