Elevating Women in Mining

The role of women in the mining industry is integral, especially in ASM. The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that women make up around 8 to 12 percent of the world’s mining workforce. The formation of the Association of Women in Mining in Africa in 2015 empowers women in the mining sector by giving them a platform to voice their concerns.

As more African governments work towards the formalization of mining activities and the establishment of large-scale mines, opportunities for women in the industry are expected to increase. A formalized mining industry would provide protection of human rights, ending discrimination against women and enabling their active participation.