Panelists from left to right: Olusola Olaniyi, Mauricio Winkelried, Ege Tekinbas (moderator), Viviane Maramuke, Sifiso Dladla.
Empowering women in Artisanal and Small-scale Mining (ASM) requires targeted strategies: enhancing visibility, access to technology, and financial systems, while ensuring safety and inclusion. At the WRM Partner Session at this year’s OECD Forum on Responsible Mineral Supply Chains, various organizations shared their experiences for moving forward and achieving these goals.
The panel, moderated by Ege Tekinbas (IGF), took a closer look at impacts on women in the ESG context in the mining sector in different regions: In Peru, there are gender-related impacts in the governance context of mining as Mauricio Winkelried from Solidaridad Peru explained. Pallaqueras, recyclers of raw materials such as gold in ASM, make up around 10% of the labour force. Despite their significant contribution to the circular economy, they belong to associations that are very weak and have little participation in decision-making. Peruvian law does not recognize the pallaqueras, exacerbating their informality. The women are disadvantaged in terms of pay and health, including increased risks by the exposure to mercury.
“The comprehensive empowerment of local women miners’ organizations should be a priority in a context where global companies are expected to take a more active role in monitoring ESG risks and reducing inequalities in their value chains. This approach will enable the generation of crucial data on gender issues for due diligence, ensure consultations that address the true priorities of women in ASM communities, and direct resources and support directly to women miners.” – Mauricio Winkelried, Solidaridad Peru
To amplify the voice of pallaqueras and to support their access to services, Solidaridad has set up a network of female ASM workers, which has been very successful.
Viviane Maramuke (SOFEDI) explained the situation of women in the DR Congo regarding health hazards and risks, including sexually transmitted diseases. SOFEDI has established a mechanism to support the access to free health treatment for women in ASM. This mechanism includes a health co-operative where women pay a small contribution and then decide together who takes a leading role in decision-making processes. Another health-related problem in the DRC’s ASM communities is contaminated water, often as a result of mining operations. Although the DRC has signed the Minamata Convention, it is not yet sufficiently implemented, also due to inadequate education. This means that international agreements mean little to the local population. With self-elected decision-makers, this problem could be minimised. SOFEDI further emphasized the importance of establishing cooperatives run by women to increase their role in decision making processes in the DRC.
Sifiso Dladla from ActionAid South Africa focused on the situation of Zama Zamas, who work informally as artisanal miners in South Africa. The Zama Zamas are not legally recognised and therefore operate in the illegal sector. As a result, they do not enjoy any form of labor security. Market access for women is particularly a problem, since there are more barriers for women miners who also earn significantly less than men. In South Africa, Zama Zamas mainly mine chrome, platinum, gold, coal and diamonds. However, this is done above ground. It is more difficult for female Zama Zamas to go into underground mines. In this context, sexual harassment against women takes place. Access to mining permits is essential, as there is a lack of financial access. Therefore, a specific opportunity just for women is needed to strengthen their rights and share in the artisanal mining sector in South Africa.
Olusola Olaniyi (IWiM Nigeria) highlighted the situation of women in the Nigerian mining sector. Many mining projects are in remote areas, where women are particularly exposed to gender-based violence (GBV). Olusola being a geologist has been to various mining sites, where she learnt that community leaders always have to be approached first. However, this means that women are usually not present in consultations. As a measure, there is capacity training for female miners as exemplified by the “Girl for Mining” program in Nigeria to include more women in the consultation process leading to more sustainable development.
“In today’s technological age, I believe that advancing women’s rights in mining, gender inclusion, and empowerment are key to the sustainable development of mineral resources and better livelihoods for women in mining” – Olusola Olaniyi, IWiM
Based on the discussions and insights, as summarized by Ege Tekinbas, the strategies to advance gender equality in ASM are clear. Key actions include increasing women’s visibility in ASM, enhancing access to digital and other technologies, and improving financial systems through village loan schemes. Strengthening organizational structures and financial sustainability for women’s cooperatives is vital, along with collecting and analyzing gender-disaggregated data. Additionally, ensuring better access to occupational health and safety and GBV protection mechanisms, and creating safe spaces and information centers are essential steps. To further expand on these strategies, it is crucial to consider the broader context of global best practices and innovative approaches:
By building on these strategies and learning from successful examples worldwide, we can create a more inclusive and equitable ASM sector that empowers women and contributes to sustainable development. The inspiring work shared by the organizations in this panel provides a solid foundation for moving forward and achieving these goals.
For further information, please contact info@womenandmining.org.
