Online Reporter
Patience Ndlovu, [email protected]
SEXUAL harassment continues to top the list of workplace challenges faced by women in Zimbabwe’s mining industry, despite ongoing efforts to increase female participation in the sector.
Speaking during the Umzingwane Agriculture and Trade Expo recently, Chairperson of Miners for Economic Development and member of the Umzingwane Small-Scale Miners Association, Ms Sibongile Nyathi, highlighted the daily struggles women face in mining communities.
“We, as female miners, face discrimination from our male counterparts both at work and within our communities. It becomes even worse when you hold a leadership role, as no one respects your authority,” said Ms Nyathi, who operates at Flag Three Mine.
She said sexual harassment remains one of the most pervasive yet least reported issues, with many victims silenced by fear of victimisation.
“There are cases where women are harassed by male miners but are afraid to report it. Often, when you seek assistance, a man may demand sex first, exposing women to HIV and Aids. If only we had greater protection from authorities, or more women-run mines with full machinery, this abuse would be reduced,” she said.
Her concerns were echoed by Women in Mining Zimbabwe (WIM) country co-ordinator, Ms Faith Mutete, who noted that discrimination begins even before women secure employment.
“Many female university students struggle to obtain industrial attachments compared to their male counterparts, and some are unfairly labelled as incapable of handling the demands of mining. This stereotype continues to disadvantage young women entering the industry,” she said.
Ms Mutete added that further barriers include the lack of gender-sensitive facilities such as appropriate changing rooms and protective clothing, limited access to leadership roles, and exclusion from key decision-making processes.
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To address these challenges, WIM Zimbabwe has introduced student chapters at tertiary institutions, offering mentorship, advocacy, and networking opportunities to connect young women directly with industry partners.
“These chapters provide mentorship, networking, and advocacy while linking young women directly to industry partners to ensure fair access to training, attachments, and employment opportunities in mining,” said Ms Mutete.
The Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Minerals Workers Union (ZDAMWU) has also raised concerns over widespread harassment in mines. The union is lobbying for comprehensive workplace protections, including Zimbabwe’s ratification of the International Labour Organisation’s Convention 190, which specifically addresses violence and harassment in the workplace.
