More women miners to be empowered

Judith Phiri, Business Reporter

THE Zimbabwe Association of Women in Mining Associations (Zawima) is set to empower more women miners this year through various training programmes and skills development initiatives, a crucial step toward formalising their operations.

As a lobby group, Zawima advocates for the participation, representation, leadership and inclusive empowerment of women in the mining sector.

In an interview, Zawima chairperson, Mrs Kundai Chikonzo-Midzi, said a number of training and empowerment programmes are lined up for 2025.

“We will focus on mining and business management training, which will enhance women miners’ understanding of mining operations, business management and entrepreneurship,” she said.

“We are also planning to include health and safety workshops to enable these women to learn best practices for maintaining a safe and healthy working environment.”

Mrs Chikonzo-Midzi, who is also the founder of the Insiza Women in Mining Trust and a newly appointed board member for the African Women in Mining in Africa (Awima) emphasised the importance of environmental sustainability training.

“This training will help women miners discover strategies for minimising environmental impact and promoting sustainable mining practices,” she said.

She added that mentorship programmes will be critical, allowing women to benefit from the guidance and support of experienced peers in the mining industry. In light of the recent flash floods caused by heavy rains, she urged small-scale women miners to monitor weather forecasts and stay informed about weather conditions to anticipate potential flooding.

“It’s vital for women miners, just like any other miners, to assess risks at their mining sites by evaluating their vulnerability to flooding and taking necessary precautions,” she advised.

Mrs Kundai Chikonzo-Midzi
“All miners need to implement safety measures and ensure proper safety equipment is in place along with emergency response plans. It’s critical to consider temporary relocation, if feasible, miners should move operations to higher ground or safer areas until floodwaters recede.”

Awima, which was launched in October 2022, represents women’s mining associations from eight provinces across Zimbabwe. Its core objectives include increasing women’s participation in mining, fostering safe and inclusive workplaces and mainstreaming gender equality within the mining industry.

Awima also serves as a continental network that champions the participation, leadership and empowerment of women in Africa’s extractive industries.

Mrs Chikonzo-Midzi, a registered small-scale gold miner since 2012, has been at the forefront of advocating for gender equality and empowerment in Zimbabwe’s traditionally male-dominated mining sector.

She is also a director and shareholder of Chete Tee Consults and the General Manager of Hawkline Mine. Her appointment to the Awima board is a significant milestone for Zimbabwe, highlighting the growing influence of women leaders in shaping the future of mining across the continent.

Through her new role at Awima, Mrs Chikonzo-Midzi aims to create opportunities for women at the grassroots level, particularly in countries with artisanal and small-scale mining. Her mission aligns with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guidelines on responsible sourcing for gold and critical minerals, promoting ethical practices throughout the mining value chain.