‘Introduce mining at primary school level’

Nokuthaba Brita Ncube, [email protected]

In a move meant to promote diversity, inspire the next generation and transform the mining industry, women miners have urged the Government to integrate mining aspects into the education curriculum from the primary school level.

Speaking during a recent Women in Mining Conference hosted by the Zimbabwe Women in Mining Associations (Zawima) in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community and Small to Medium Enterprise Development, Zawima vice chairperson, Ms Getrude Chimanikire, emphasised the critical need to integrate mining as a subject at primary level.

“Introducing mining concepts at an early stage will equip young minds with critical thinking and foster mutual understanding by bridging the gap between the mining industry and the community,” she said.

“In addition, it will spark curiosity, as well as help children understand the importance of environmental stewardship and sustainable practices.”

Some participants at the event pointed out that exposure to mining concepts at a young age will broaden career opportunities for children, and help them discover their passion for mining, which will allow them to make informed decisions.

“Primary mining education will play a pivotal role in guiding some of our children to discover and pursue careers in the mining industry,” said one of the participants who preferred to remain anonymous.

A representative from the Zimbabwe School of Mines (ZSM) noted that the successful integration of mining in education at an early stage requires collaborative efforts from schools, communities and stakeholders.

The small-scale mining sector in Zimbabwe has made remarkable progress over the years, particularly with the involvement of young people who have emerged as major contributors to the annual gold output.

Mining is the fastest-growing sector in Zimbabwe with a growth rate of 40 percent in the last three years, contributing immensely to the gross domestic product (GDP).

Some legislative and policy reforms have led to the opening up of the sector allowing the entry of small-scale miners, including women, who are estimated to be in control of a 30 percent stake in the sector.

ZAWIMA is a women-led Association launched in October 2022 that brings together women mining associations drawn from eight mining provinces in Zimbabwe excluding Bulawayo and Harare.

The association seeks to increase the presence of women in the mining industry, create workplaces with diversity where all workers can feel safe through mine value chain, as well as promoting gender mainstreaming.

One of the association’s main objectives is to improve the standard of living for women and girls their health rights and strengthening their voices at the mine sites when engaging stakeholders and in mining decision-making. Regardless of gender women’s position in the male-dominated mining industry must be respected equally.

The association also seeks to develop a coordinated system for tracking health spending on women and children, at the district, provincial, and national levels and establish a feedback mechanism that supports continuous improvement in the delivery of health services for women and children in the mining sector.