Strengthening its role in advocating for the rights and empowerment of women in the mining sector, particularly in Africa, Women in Mining Africa (WiM-Africa) has continued to make a significant impact across the continent.
One of the standout achievements of this year was our support for Comfort Ezekiel, a young girl from Kogi State, Nigeria, who lost her arm in a mining accident. Comfort’s life has taken a positive turn with the funding of her education, providing a vital opportunity for her to rebuild her future despite the tragic setback. This initiative aligns with the commitment to creating pathways for women and children in mining-affected communities to access education and a better future.
The launch of the Voices from the Pits (VoC) Programme has also been a monumental success. With the participation of 138 implementing partners across 36 countries, this programme is advocating for the removal of children from hazardous mines and promoting the provision of sustainable livelihoods in mining communities.
Data collection efforts regarding mining communities are crucial, and we are working closely with local partners to understand the needs of these areas and ensure the proper measures are in place to transition children from the mines to schools.
- Apiawoyi community gets borehole, foodstuffs from women group
- FCT women seek increased budgetary allocation against SGBV
Collaborations, e.g. partnerships with the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) and Resource4Africa, are critical in advocating for responsible mining practices and ensuring that African leaders are at the forefront of shaping the future of the sector.
Thus, we are advocating for greater representation of women miners on boards, in the field, and across various commodities and services. This includes supporting initiatives that provide funding to artisanal and small-scale miners (ASM), to drive more sustainable practices and empower these miners with the tools they need to succeed.
In line with WiM-Africa’s commitment to advancing sustainable mining practices and empowering women in the industry, women in mining participated in a transformative tour of leading mining and energy facilities in Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK) which provided invaluable insights into cutting-edge technologies and best practices in mining, energy, and mineral processing.
By working together, we can create lasting change, promote responsible mining practices, and ensure that women have a seat at the table in decision-making processes. The future of the mining sector in Africa depends on our collective commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and empowerment.
Our vision is to empower even more women in the mining sector, creating opportunities for education, leadership, and sustainable development.
Dr. Comfort Asokoro-Ogaji is the Executive Director of Women in Mining Africa (WiM-Africa)
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