Request for Proposal

Women in Mining Africa (WiM-Africa) is a pioneering organization committed to transforming the mining industry across the continent by focusing on three core areas: removing children from hazardous mine sites, empowering women in the mining sector, and promoting responsible minerals sourcing. Our mission is to create a sustainable and inclusive mining environment that benefits communities and ensures the well-being of all involved.

​

WiM-Africa is a registered charity organization dedicated to empowering and supporting women in the mining industry across the African continent.

​

One of our primary goals is to eliminate child labor in mining. Children working in mines are exposed to extreme hazards that jeopardize their health, safety, and future prospects. WiM-Africa collaborates with local implementing partners to identify and remove children from these dangerous environments. Through our "Voices of Children from the Pits" (VoC) Program, we raise awareness and collect vital data to advocate for policy changes and support interventions that provide education and safer alternatives for these vulnerable children.

​

Empowering women in the mining sector is another fundamental pillar of WiM-Africa's mission. Women often face significant barriers in this male-dominated industry, including discrimination, lack of access to opportunities, and unsafe working conditions. We strive to break these barriers by offering training, resources, and support to women miners, ensuring they can thrive and lead within the sector. By promoting gender equality and providing platforms for women's voices, WiM-Africa helps create a more equitable and prosperous mining industry.

​

In addition to our focus on children and women, WiM-Africa is dedicated to promoting responsible minerals sourcing. This involves advocating for ethical mining practices that respect human rights and the environment. We work with communities, governments, and businesses to implement standards and practices that ensure the traceability and sustainability of minerals sourced from Africa. By doing so, we help build a mining sector that contributes positively to local economies and global supply chains.

​

WiM-Africa operates through a network of dedicated implementing partners who work in various communities, states, and countries across the continent. These partners are crucial in executing our programs and initiatives on the ground, tailoring interventions to the unique needs of each region. Through this collaborative approach, WiM-Africa effectively drives change, supports local communities, and fosters a more responsible and inclusive mining industry throughout Africa.

History of Children Working at the Mines

The phenomenon of children working in mines is a pervasive issue in many parts of Africa, driven by poverty, lack of education, and inadequate enforcement of labor laws. Across countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, and Tanzania, children as young as five years old are found working in artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) operations. These children are often involved in hazardous activities, including digging, carrying heavy loads, and handling mercury and other toxic substances, which pose severe risks to their health, safety, and development.

​

The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that millions of children globally are engaged in child labor in mines and quarries. The socio-economic conditions in many African mining communities exacerbate this issue, as families rely on the income generated by their children to survive. However, this form of child labor not only violates children's rights but also perpetuates the cycle of poverty and limits future opportunities for these young individuals.

​

Objectives of the VoC Program

The "Voices of Children from the Pits" (VoC) Program by Women in Mining Africa (WiM-Africa) is designed to address this critical issue through a comprehensive, multi-phase approach.

 

The program's objectives are structured into three distinct phases: Awareness, Campaign and Data Collection, and Enrolling Children in School.

1. Awareness Phase; The first phase focuses on raising awareness about the plight of children working in mines. This involves engaging with local communities, governments, and international stakeholders to highlight the dangers and long-term consequences of child labor in mining and the need for action for the immedaite removal of children from mines . By using various media platforms, community meetings, and educational workshops, the program aims to inform and sensitize the public about the urgent need to protect children from these hazardous environments.

2. Campaign and Data Collection Phase; In the second phase, the VoC Program conducts a targeted campaign to advocate for policy changes and mobilize resources to combat child labor in mines. This phase includes comprehensive data collection efforts to document the extent and conditions of child labor in different mining regions. The collected data provides a robust evidence base to support advocacy efforts and to develop targeted interventions. The campaign also seeks to build partnerships with local and international organizations to amplify the impact of these efforts.

3. Educational Integration Program For Children Exiting Mining Activities; The final phase focuses on providing sustainable alternatives to child labor by enrolling affected children in school. WiM-Africa collaborates with local educational institutions, NGOs, and community leaders to facilitate the transition of children from mines to classrooms. This involves not only placing children in schools but also ensuring they receive the necessary support, such as school supplies, uniforms, and financial assistance, to continue their education. 

The purpose of this Call for Proposal is to identify and engage capable implementing partners for the "Voices of Children from the Pits" (VoC) Program, a vital initiative by Women in Mining Africa (WiM-Africa).

 

We seek partnerships with organizations that share our commitment to removing children from hazardous mine sites, empowering women in the mining sector, and promoting responsible minerals sourcing.

​

Implementing partners will play a crucial role in the successful execution of the VoC Program, which is designed to be carried out in the above three phases.

 

 Each phase involves specific tasks and deliverables that require expertise, dedication, and a deep understanding of the local context. By collaborating with local organizations, WiM-Africa aims to ensure that interventions are culturally sensitive, effective, and sustainable.

​

Objectives of the Call for Proposal

1. Identify Suitable Implementing Partners: We aim to partner with organizations that have a proven track record of working in mining communities, particularly those with experience in child welfare, education, and community development. These partners will be essential in executing program activities on the ground.

2. Raise Awareness and Advocate for Change: Implementing partners will help amplify the program’s awareness campaigns, ensuring that key stakeholders—including local communities, governments, and international bodies—are informed about the dangers of child labor in mining and the importance of responsible mining practices.

3. Conduct Comprehensive Data Collection: Partners will be responsible for collecting and analyzing data on child labor in mining areas. This data is critical for understanding the scope of the problem, informing policy recommendations, and designing effective interventions.

4. Facilitate the Transition of Children to Education: The ultimate goal of the VoC Program is to remove children from mining sites and enroll them in schools. Implementing partners will work closely with local educational institutions and communities to provide the necessary support for these children, ensuring they have access to quality education and a safer future.

​

Benefits to Implementing Partners

Selected implementing partners will receive mini-grants to support their activities related to the VoC Program. In addition to financial support, partners will benefit from capacity-building opportunities, including training, resources, and technical assistance provided by WiM-Africa.

 

This collaboration will also enhance the partners' visibility and credibility within their communities and among international stakeholders.

​

Submission Guidelines and Selection Process

Interested organizations are invited to submit proposals that outline their approach to implementing the VoC Program’s phases, demonstrate their capacity to achieve the program’s objectives, and detail their experience working in relevant fields.

 

Proposals will be evaluated based on specific criteria, including organizational capacity, relevance of experience, and the proposed methodology for addressing child labor in mining.

1. Who Can Apply

Implementing partners must be registered with WiM-Africa to be eligible for this mini-grant. Organizations that are not yet registered can apply to become implementing partners through the following link: Become an Implementing Partner.

 

Eligible applicants include:

• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)

• Community-based organizations (CBOs)

• Women in Mining (WiM) organization (with Charity status)

• Educational institutions

• Research institutions

• Other relevant entities committed to improving the welfare of children at mine sites

​

2. Geographic Focus

The VoC Program aims to operate in any African community, state, or country where mining activities occur. Proposals should focus on areas with significant mining activity and a notable presence of children at mine sites. Priority will be given to proposals that:

• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the local context

• Show evidence of existing relationships with local communities and stakeholders

• Highlight regions with urgent needs for child protection and awareness

 

3. Required Experience and Expertise

To be considered for the mini-grant, implementing partners must demonstrate the following experience and expertise:

• Proven track record in child protection, welfare, or related fields

• Experience in conducting awareness campaigns or similar outreach activities

• Expertise in data collection, management, and analysis

• Familiarity with mining communities and the challenges faced by children in these environments

• Strong project management skills, including planning, execution, monitoring, and reporting

• Capability to collaborate effectively with local stakeholders, including community leaders, government authorities, and other NGOs

 

In addition, applicants should provide:

• Evidence of previous successful projects in similar domains

• Profiles or resumes of key team members outlining their relevant qualifications and experience

• Letters of support or references from previous funders or partners, if available