During the miners meeting held to mark the international women’s day with representatives from Nigeria, Tanzania, Mali, South Africa and other African countries, Dr Asokoro called on women to support other women in the field by providing mentorship opportunities and most especially safety trainings at the grassroots.
She noted that women form the majority workforce in many states in Nigeria and should get the attention required in policy formulation processes.
Amongst key recommendations discussed at the meeting, MMC called on countries in Africa to enact mining laws and economic policies that are gender-inclusive continuously. She harped on the need to advance women’s social protection at the mine and home, which she noted has also become very urgent.
Emphasis was also placed on the need to account for gendered differences in occupational health and safety efforts at mine sites.
“Capacity building is key to growth. African women are urged to build capacities in their areas of interest in the commodity value chain. Women in the sector should strive for the top through capacity building and change their mindset to think growth and expansion in the commodity value chain and relevant extension services,” she said.