Kebbeh Harris Dolo and Massa Senesie Breaking Barriers

 Kebbeh Harris Dolo and Massa Senesie are two female employees of ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) serving as Wheel Loader Operators in the company’s mining operations. In roles traditionally dominated by men, both women operate heavy equipment used to load materials onto trains and carry out clearing activities when required, demonstrating professionalism, skill, and determination in Liberia’s growing mining sector.

Kebbeh joined AML as a full employee on November 4, 2025, after working with several subcontractor companies in similar roles. For many years, she aspired to work directly for ArcelorMittal Liberia, viewing the company as a place where skilled Liberians could build long term careers and access professional development opportunities.

With this dream now realized, Kebbeh expresses profound gratitude to AML for providing her the opportunity to work in a field she is deeply passionate about.

“I find joy in working with ArcelorMittal. Since joining the company, there has been great joy in my life. On the job, AML shows genuine care for its workers and provides hands on training. Although I had some prior exposure to heavy equipment from my previous roles, joining AML gave me comprehensive training that truly prepared me to handle the equipment I now operate,” Kebbeh said.

She added that she feels fulfilled working with AML and hopes to remain with the company until retirement. While having secure employment at ArcelorMittal Liberia is important to her, Kebbeh is especially passionate about operating heavy equipment such as the wheel loader. She believes passion motivates individuals to give their best in any role.

This passion, she says, drives her to strictly observe all rules and policies that guide her professional conduct and ensure job security. Kebbeh further noted that she feels safe at work because AML prioritizes employee safety—a culture she believes encourages workers to perform their duties with care and caution to prevent harm.

Encouraging other women to pursue similar career paths, Kebbeh emphasized that acquiring skills in heavy equipment operation significantly reduces the risk of unemployment. According to her, skilled operators will always be in demand as mining operations, infrastructure development, and road construction activities continue to expand across Liberia.

She also challenged public perceptions that employment at AML depends on personal connections.

“That is not true. When you know the job and can prove your skills, you can be accepted. I joined ArcelorMittal without knowing anyone in the system. I simply demonstrated my competence in the role that was advertised, and I was selected,” she explained.

Massa Senesie, for her part, is a multi skilled operator with training and hands on experience operating both the Articulated Dump Truck (ADT) and the wheel loader. She joined AML in June 2025 and describes her employment as the fulfillment of a long standing prayer after years of working with subcontractor companies.

“I am very proud to be part of ArcelorMittal. When you work with AML, they train you thoroughly, building your knowledge in both the practical and theoretical aspects of your job,” Massa noted.

Like Kebbeh, Massa believes that skills—not personal connections—make a worker competent and valuable in the workplace. She therefore encourages her peers to take advantage of every training opportunity that enhances their ability to operate heavy duty equipment. She also urges women to prioritize training in high demand job areas to increase their employment opportunities and financial independence.

ArcelorMittal Liberia continues to invest heavily in the training and development of Liberians through structured technical training programs, on the job mentorship, and skills transfer initiatives designed to build a competent national workforce for the mining industry. Through the ArcelorMittal Liberia Training Academy and workplace based operational training, the company has created opportunities for hundreds of young Liberians to acquire internationally competitive technical and vocational skills.

AML has also continued to strengthen gender sensitive hiring and workplace inclusion by creating opportunities for more women to participate in technical and operational roles once considered nontraditional for women. The increasing number of female equipment operators, technicians, electricians, mechanics, and artisans within the company reflects ongoing efforts to promote gender diversity and empower women economically through sustainable employment and professional development.

Varlee Kamara, Supervisor for Kebbeh and Massa, expressed great satisfaction in having the two women on his team. He described them as dedicated professionals whose ethical conduct has made a positive impact in the Training and Loading Section of the mining operation.

“Kebbeh is known for her strong sense of responsibility and consistency. She approaches every task with focus and care, ensuring that all work is carried out safely and efficiently,” Varlee stated.

“Massa, on the other hand, brings a calm and steady presence to the team. She works with patience and precision, paying close attention to detail to ensure smooth operations,” he added.

Their stories continue to inspire many young women across Liberia to confidently pursue technical careers in the mining industry, proving that competence, discipline, and determination can open doors to opportunities previously considered out of reach for women