Dr Mutete: A trailblazer in women’s empowerment in mining

Dr Faith Mutete is a miner, entrepreneur and passionate advocate for women’s empowerment in the mining sector, dedicated to breaking barriers and creating opportunities for women and young girls in this traditionally male-dominated industry.

As the founder of Women in Mining Zimbabwe (WIM Zimbabwe)—a partner of International Women in Mining Global—she leads initiatives that promote gender inclusion, responsible mining, economic empowerment and financial inclusion for women miners. Her impact has been recognised globally, earning her the prestigious Global WIM 100 Award from Women in Mining UK. She also serves as a committee member of International Day of Women in Mining (IDWIM) at International Women in Mining (IWiM) for IDWIM 2025.

Dr Mutete is an alumnus of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE), a programme by the U.S. Embassy, equipping her with entrepreneurial leadership skills to drive sustainable change in the mining sector. Recently, she was honoured at the Emerging Brand Africa Awards, where she received recognition for Mining and Community Empowerment in Africa, further cementing her role as a leader in the industry. As a miner herself, Dr Mutete brings first hand experience and deep industry knowledge to her advocacy work. She understands the challenges women face in mining and actively works to ensure they have access to opportunities, resources and a voice in shaping the sector.

Beyond advocacy, she is actively involved in public health, gender-based violence prevention, child labour elimination and environmental, social and governance (ESG) compliance in mining communities. Through WIM Zimbabwe, she has facilitated the establishment of WIM University Chapters, equipping young women with leadership and technical skills to thrive in mining.

Dr Mutete’s vision is to see women not just participating in mining, but also leading, driving change, ensuring that women miners have the skills, knowledge, and opportunities to thrive in a formalised and economically empowered industry. As the world celebrates Women’s Month, Chronicle caught up with Dr Mutete to get to know more about her and what she stands for in mining. The mother of two said her source of inspiration is her father, a retired soldier.

“His dedication, discipline and strong sense of duty taught me the importance of perseverance, resilience and integrity. Growing up, I witnessed his unwavering commitment to serving others, which deeply influenced my own commitment to breaking barriers in the mining sector and empowering women. His guidance and belief in me have shaped my values and continue to inspire me in everything I do, “ she said.

Dr Mutete said she likes empowering the next generation, seeing young people succeed, creating opportunities for others and making a positive impact in the mining industry.

“I dislike gender inequality, injustice and the under-representation of women in leadership roles, particularly in the mining sector,” she said.

Dr Mutete said there is a need to embrace “our strength as women, to lead with confidence, and support one another in the mining industry.” Women’s Month is celebrated annually in March. The month-long celebration recognises and honours women’s contributions to history, culture and society. Women’s Month is also a time to celebrate women’s progress and acknowledge the ongoing struggles for equality and justice.

Dr Mutete said women should continuously invest in their growth, advocate for safer, more inclusive workplaces, and celebrate every achievement, big or small. “Together, we can inspire and pave the way for a more empowered future for women in mining,” said Dr Mutete who has over 15 years experience in mining in Mberengwa District, in the Midlands Province.

She said the formation of WIM Zimbabwe was rooted in her passion to address the under-representation of women in the mining sector and Stem-related fields in Zimbabwe. “In 2018, I conducted a thorough situational analysis across various institutions and discovered some alarming statistics—particularly the very low enrolment of young women in this field of mining,” she said. This observation prompted a critical question: “Where are the girls?”

Upon further research, Dr Mutete said she found that women represented less than 10 percent of the workforce in mining, with most of them being from older generations. “What struck me most was the absence of young women entering this sector or pursuing mining related careers. This highlighted a clear gap and a need for intervention, one that could empower young girls to explore and engage in mining, and build a pathway for them to succeed in this sector while promoting responsible mining practices, “ she noted.

Having spent over 15 years working within mining communities, Dr Mutete said she is deeply familiar with the challenges these areas face. “These include serious health issues like HIV, TB and increasing STI rates, all of which are exacerbated by the unsafe working conditions in the mining sector. The rise in mining accidents—often caused by inadequate safety standards and poor regulation—has made it clear that more focus is needed on ensuring a safe working environment for both women and men. Furthermore, the prevalence of child labour in mining communities, where young girls and boys are often forced into hazardous and exploitative conditions, adds a layer of urgency to this issue,” she said.

Dr Mutete who employs over 40 workers said these challenges are not isolated but intertwined with the lack of female representation in the sector, which often leads to missed opportunities for growth and progress. “Women are frequently left out of critical decision-making roles, which could otherwise advocate for better health and safety standards in mining communities.

“In light of these issues, I established WIM Zimbabwe to serve as a platform that empowers young women and girls to step into leadership roles within the mining sector. The organisation is focused on raising awareness about the importance of gender inclusion, providing access to training, financial resources, mentorship, and advocating for policy changes that benefit women in mining, with a strong emphasis on promoting responsible mining practices,” she said.

Through WIM Zimbabwe, Dr Mutete said they aim to create a more inclusive environment where women can thrive in mining and related sectors. She said WIM Zimbabwe is committed to ensuring that the next generation of women leaders is equipped with the tools, resources, and opportunities necessary to succeed while fostering safer, healthier and more sustainable mining practices.

“At WIM Zimbabwe, we take a comprehensive approach to the issues faced by mining communities. Our broader mission is to foster empowerment, leadership, and resilience in young women, bridging the gender gap, and encouraging them to pursue mining and Stem careers. By addressing health and safety concerns—such as the rising number of accidents, HIV and STI transmission, and the eradication of child labour – we aim to create an environment where women can contribute to the economic and social development of Zimbabwe, while driving positive change within the mining sector, “ she said.

Dr Mutete said by pushing for responsible mining, WIM Zimbabwe works to ensure that women can work in safe, healthy environments, where their contributions are valued and protected. She said they are determined to help build a future where women are integral to the mining industry and can drive the sector towards greater sustainability and inclusivity.

“At WIM Zimbabwe, we conduct empowerment programmes through supporting formalisation, linking women with financiers and financial literacy e.g banks, capacity building and skills development, community awareness on safety and health as well as mentorship support, environment and climate initiatives,” she said.