Online Reporter
Judith Phiri
THE Zimbabwe Artisanal and Small-Scale Women Miners Association (ZASWMA) is making strides in championing the empowerment of women miners through regional collaboration and participation in strategic conferences and exchange programmes.
Women make up an estimated 10 percent to 15 percent of Zimbabwe’s national mining workforce and represent about 50 percent of artisanal and small-scale miners.
ZASWMA chairperson, Mrs Kundai Chikonzo Midzi, said recently they attended the Women in Mining Botswana Organisation (WiMBO) Pitso conference in Botswana, reflecting their commitment to empowering women miners.
“May 2026 was a month of regional engagement, learning, networking and advocacy for women miners across Southern Africa. From 21 to 22 May 2026, ZASWMA participated in the WiMBO Pitso conference held in Gaborone, Botswana.
“It ran under the theme: ‘Unearthing Excellence: Women Transforming the Mining Value Chain.
“This aligns with our 2026 theme ‘Strong Women, Sustainable Mining, Stronger Communities,’ reflecting our commitment to empowering women and promoting sustainable growth in the mining sector,” she said.
Mrs Chikonzo said the association strongly believes in supporting women miners through powerful networking, collaboration and partnerships that create lasting impact.
As part of its strategic approach, ZASWMA also values exchange programmes as a powerful tool for strengthening relationships and creating opportunities for one-on-one interactions.
Peter Tanyanyiwa