Advocates Call for Protection of Women and Children in Africa’s Mining Sector

As global demand for minerals rises, advocacy groups in Africa are urging stronger protections for women and child laborers in the mining industry, VOA revealed yesterday.

Women in Mining Africa organized a virtual meeting to promote gender equity and social justice, with founder Comfort Asokoro Ogaji emphasizing the need for equal access to resources and leadership roles.

Women comprise 30% of the Artisanal and Small-scale Mining (ASM) workforce but often face barriers, including restricted access to mines and lower pay. The International Institute for Sustainable Development highlights that women’s contributions are frequently overshadowed by men, resulting in unequal participation.

The World Bank’s recent report at the 2024 Mining Indaba Conference called for gender-focused legislation and changes to property laws that hinder women’s land ownership and access to resources. Advocates stress the importance of including marginalized voices in decision-making to ensure equitable distribution of mining benefits across the continent.