Women miners outreach to promote formalisation

THE Zimbabwe Association of Women in Mining Associations (Zawima) is carrying out public engagement meetings to bring together women in mining and key stakeholders towards promoting safety and health as well as formalisation of mining operations.

The meetings will serve as a platform for women in mining and relevant regulating authorities to share insights and reach common ground.

The engagement drive has been rolled out in four districts; namely Insiza in Matabeleland South Province, Zvishavane in Midlands, Chikuti in Mashonaland West and Mutoko in Mashonaland East.

Speaking during a recent meeting at Mick A Mine in Amazon area in Insiza District, Zawima national chairperson, Ms Kundai Chikonzo said health and safety were also critical as they affect women.

Stakeholders follow proceedings during a Zimbabwe Association of Women in Mining Associations (Zawima) engagement meeting at Mick A Mine in Insiza District

“The purpose of this meeting is to identify issues to do with health and safety of women and the girl child in mining sites through the engagement of local stakeholders at a district level,” she said.

“The idea is to hold these engagement meetings on the mine site so that the stakeholders have an appreciation of the work being done by women in mining.

“This will also provide an opportunity for stakeholders to identify issues that need to be addressed within women’s projects and map the way forward. We are trying to promote a good working relationship between women miners and stakeholders,” said Ms Chikonzo.

On health and safety, she said there were peculiar security issues for women and young girls in the mining environment, which stakeholders must deliberate on and formulate corrective resolutions.

This comes as Zimbabwe has recently seen an increase in the number of women and youth participating in the mining sector.

Stakeholders follow proceedings during a Zimbabwe Association of Women in Mining Associations (ZAWIMA) engagement meeting at Mick A Mine in Insiza District

“There is great improvement in the involvement of women in mining. A number of issues were hindering the involvement of women in the sector such as access to finances, domination of men in the sector and fear. Mining is a business and women also need to significantly participate,” said Ms Chikonzo.

“Mining is one of the major drivers of the country’s economy and women are among players that have come in to boost this sector.

“Women are now accounting for about 13 percent of the mining sector’s contribution to the country’s GDP, which is a significant economic achievement.”

Ms Chikonzo said some women were scared to formalise their operations out of fear of losing their claims and urged such players to come forth and engage Government and police for protection.

She also advised women to form co-operatives to enhance their mining ventures including joining associations and seeking financial literacy and how to run mining operations as business ventures.

A local village head, Mr David Ndlovu, commended women for playing a significant role in contributing towards developing their communities through involvement in mining.

“It’s pleasing to see women become economically empowered because it doesn’t only mean that families become self-sustainable but it will also help to deal with the problem of gender-based violence,” he said.

“To those conducting mining activities, I want to remind you that each place has its laws and regulations. Let’s adhere to the set rules.

“Our minerals are a gift from God and we have to use them wisely for the development of our nation. Let’s not allow our wealth to be our downfall. Let’s also learn to co-exist with people from other areas,” said Mr Ndlovu. —chroncile