Advancing gender equality in the mining industry

The mining industry has long been dominated by men, but efforts to improve working conditions for women in the sector are gaining momentum. A recent report by the World Bank shines a light on the barriers women face in artisanal and small-scale mining and offers solutions to promote gender equality. Rachel Perks, Senior Mining Specialist at World Bank, emphasized the importance of full and equal participation of women in the mining sector during a discussion with CNBC Africa's Fifi Peters. The report, part of a biennial series focusing on mining and development, explores the unique challenges women encounter in the industry and underscores the need for concrete actions to address gender disparities. With an estimated 45 million people engaged in artisanal and small-scale mining globally, of which 30% are women, the report highlights the significance of empowering women in this sector. Despite the growing presence of women in mining, they often face obstacles in accessing opportunities and are susceptible to physical and psychological risks once inside the mines. Perks emphasized the groundbreaking nature of the report, which includes primary data collection to provide a comprehensive understanding of women's experiences in mining and governmental efforts to promote gender equality. Historically, mining has been a male-dominated field, making it challenging for women to break into the industry. Women have had to navigate a path fraught with compromises, including sacrificing personal choices and exposing themselves to risks to establish a foothold in artisanal and small-scale mining. However, the report also highlights a shift in the landscape, with an increasing number of women actively advocating for their rights and organizing to improve working conditions. To promote gender equality in mining, the report puts forth three key recommendations. Firstly, there is a call for legislative reforms to address existing barriers that hinder women's agency, such as restrictions on property ownership and financial independence. Secondly, emphasis is placed on enhancing social protection measures to combat sexual and gender-based violence in mining sites. Lastly, the report underscores the importance of occupational health and safety standards to ensure a conducive working environment for women. A notable example from Rwanda demonstrates how providing women with headlamps can significantly enhance their productivity and safety in mines. When discussing the implementation of these recommendations, Perks highlighted the need for a collaborative approach involving mining companies, governments, and international organizations to drive meaningful change. While the question of financial resources arises, Perks stressed the importance of commitment and resource reallocation to create a more inclusive and gender-responsive mining sector. By addressing systemic barriers and prioritizing women's empowerment, the mining industry can move towards a more equitable and sustainable future.