24 May 2023
London, UK - The Initiative for Women Miners in Africa (IWoMA) is urging African leaders to prioritize artisanal women miners in policy dialogue programs aimed at addressing the unique challenges faced by women and children in the mining sector.
London, UK - The Initiative for Women Miners in Africa (IWoMA) is urging African leaders to prioritize artisanal women miners in policy dialogue programs aimed at addressing the unique challenges faced by women and children in the mining sector.
Artisanal women miners represent a significant but often overlooked segment of the mining workforce in Africa. Despite their contributions to the industry, women miners continue to face numerous socio-economic and cultural barriers that limit their participation and hinder their ability to thrive.
Through its Policy Dialogue Program for Artisanal Women Miners, IWoMA advocates for the inclusion of specific considerations in policies and regulations to address the needs of women and children in mining communities.
These considerations include:
Economic Empowerment: Policies that support access to financial resources, markets, and entrepreneurship opportunities for women miners, enabling them to enhance their economic independence and improve their livelihoods.
Health and Safety: Regulations that prioritize the health and safety of women and children in mining operations, including access to healthcare services, protective equipment, and measures to prevent and address gender-based violence.
Education and Training: Programs that provide women and children with access to education, skills development, and training opportunities, empowering them to pursue alternative livelihoods and break the cycle of poverty.
Child Protection: Measures to eliminate child labor in the mining sector and provide support services for children affected by mining activities, ensuring their rights are upheld and their well-being is safeguarded.
By incorporating these considerations into policy dialogue programs, African leaders can create a more inclusive and equitable mining sector that benefits women, children, and communities at large. Investing in the empowerment of artisanal women miners not only promotes gender equality but also drives sustainable development and economic growth across Africa.
IWoMA calls on African leaders to engage with women miners, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to develop and implement policies that address the specific needs and challenges faced by women and children in the mining sector.
For more information about IWoMA and its Policy Dialogue Program for Artisanal Women Miners, please visit [website].
Contact:
Dr. Comfort Asokoro-Ogaji
Executive Director
Initiative for Women Miners in Africa (IWoMA)
Email: ed@iwoma.org