ZAWIMA Chairperson Kundai Chikonzo Midzi delivering her key note address
By Donald Chakamanga
Despite the growth in the number of women entering Zimbabwe’s mining sector, they continue to face significant cultural, financial, and social obstacles. These challenges have hindered their full participation and success in a traditionally male-dominated industry. The Zimbabwe Association of Women in Mining (ZAWIMA), led by Chairperson Ms. Kundai Chikonzo Midzi, has been at the forefront of advocating for the rights and recognition of women miners.
Speaking at a two-day conference held at a local hotel in Harare, Ms. Chikonzo Midzi emphasized the ongoing struggle women face in the sector, noting that mining remains largely masculine due to deep-rooted cultural, social, and economic structures.
Participants at the ZAWIMA conference in Harare
“ZAWIMA’s vision is to enhance women’s participation and involvement in the mining sector,” Ms. Chikonzo Midzi stated, highlighting the organization’s mission to empower women and address the gender disparities in the field.
The symposium, running under the theme Improving Safety, Health, and Development for Women and Girls in the Mining Value Chain, sought to tackle the most pressing issues confronting women miners.
Ms. Chikonzo Midzi said the event marked a significant milestone in efforts to recognize, empower, and protect women engaged in artisanal and small-scale mining.
“These efforts are aligned with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and Vision 2030, which aim to foster inclusive growth and development in the country,” she said.
The conference focused on addressing critical health and safety concerns for women in mining, with discussions centered around five key areas:
- Access to safe working conditions and the prevention of occupational health hazards.
- Gender-sensitive health services, including reproductive, maternal, and mental health support.
- Conducting health impact assessments with a gender-sensitive approach.
- Ensuring access to affordable healthcare in remote mining areas.
- Preventing and addressing gender-based violence (GBV) within mining communities.
In her remarks, Ms. Chikonzo Midzi posed several pivotal questions to the audience, urging them to reflect on the current state of the mining sector. She added that a number of systemic issues continue to plague women miners, many of whom operate in challenging and hazardous conditions with limited support.
She also raised concerns about the mental health challenges that women miners face, often exacerbated by the isolation and pressure of working in remote areas. The chairperson called on the mining industry to embrace women more fully, advocating for a safer, healthier, and more equitable environment for all workers. “It is crucial that the industry fosters an inclusive environment that not only allows women to thrive but also ensures their safety and well-being,” she remarked.
As Zimbabwe moves toward its Vision 2030 goals, the empowerment of women in mining will be essential for the nation’s broader economic and social development. By addressing the unique challenges they face, the country can unlock the full potential of its mining sector and create a more equitable future.
