Online Reporter
Judith Phiri, Business Reporter
Women in Mining (WIM) Zimbabwe has reaffirmed its commitment to building an inclusive and resilient mining future through rolling out various initiatives to empower women in the sector.
The mining sector in Zimbabwe contributes significantly to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and is a major source of foreign currency, employment, and overall economic growth.
In Zimbabwe, it is estimated that women make up 10 percent of the over 500 000 artisanal and small-scale miners who are the major contributors of gold deliveries.
In an interview, WIM Zimbabwe Country Coordinator, Dr Faith Mutete said they believe in the power of women uplifting each other.
“Empowered women empower other women. Our goal is to rise up, support one another and boldly claim our space in the mining industry and beyond as we shatter glass ceilings and build legacies. We also want to unlock a brighter future not just for women in mining, but for the entire community,” she said.
“At WIM Zimbabwe, we are building a more inclusive and resilient mining future by empowering young people, especially girls through mentorship, leadership, entrepreneurship and a strong understanding of mining as a business.”
She said as a miner herself, she recognise the importance of exposing young people not only to mining claims, but also to a wide range of opportunities across the mining value chain from mineral processing and value addition, to logistics, supply chain services and environmental rehabilitation.
Dr Mutete said one of their cornerstone initiatives was the establishment of WIM student chapters, dynamic hubs launched in tertiary institutions to nurture future mining leaders.
