The Zimbabwe Association of Women in Mining Associations (ZAWIMA) has called for stronger protections for women in mining communities, warning that gender-based violence, exploitation and systemic discrimination remain widespread across the sector.
The call comes as the world observes the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, marked from 25 November to 10 December under the theme: “UNiTE to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls.”
Global statistics show the scale of the crisis. The World Health Organisation says nearly one in three women experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, describing the issue as “a major public health and human rights crisis.” It warns the risks intensify in settings affected by poverty, climate vulnerability and humanitarian pressures.
ZAWIMA treasurer and miner Pamela Mutembwa said economic vulnerability remains one of the biggest drivers of abuse in mining communities.
“At ZAWIMA, we have realised that gender-based violence in mining communities is often tied to economic vulnerability,” she said. “Limited financial resources and dependence on others can make it hard for women to report abuse or leave exploitative situations. Women need to be empowered to say no and look for help.”
Mutembwa said weak reporting structures discourage survivors from speaking out, creating conditions in which abuse often goes unchecked.
“This can lead to silence, shame and continued violence,” she said. “Strengthening reporting channels and ensuring they are safe, accessible and confidential can help women get the support they need and hold perpetrators accountable.”
She added that power imbalances in mining operations, especially in informal settings where oversight is minimal, leave women exposed to exploitation.
“Power imbalances in mining operations can lead to exploitation and abuse, with women often being the ones who suffer the most,” she said. “Addressing these imbalances is crucial to creating a fairer and safer environment.”
ZAWIMA says women and girls in mining communities face heightened risks such as domestic violence, harassment at mining sites and economic exploitation. The organisation also noted that support services for survivors remain inadequate across many districts.
“Psychosocial care, access to justice and safe reporting channels are either unavailable or not effective in many areas,” Mutembwa said. “This is why community awareness, economic empowerment and strong partnerships with local leadership, law enforcement and civil society are essential.”
Mutembwa also shared her personal experience of discrimination within the sector, saying she had lost a legally secured mining claim despite investing heavily in its development.
“I went through a painful situation where I legally held a joint venture and tribute agreement over a mine,” she said. “Despite this, I was pushed aside when the landowner chose to work with another man simply because I was a woman. I lost everything, my dignity, my faith in myself, and my faith in the system.”
She said many women continue to face similar injustices, with their documents ignored and their investments disregarded.
“What happened to me is something many other women continue to experience,” she said. “This is why ZAWIMA continues to advocate for stronger protections and a mining sector where women can work safely and have their rights respected.”
Mutembwa said women miners are resilient but require fair treatment.
“Being a woman miner is no joke. We are not looking for handouts or sympathy, we just want to be heard and taken seriously,” she said.
ZAWIMA also criticised male-dominated decision-making structures in the sector, saying they marginalise women’s voices.
“It is concerning that decision-making is dominated by men who do not value women being in mining,” Mutembwa said. “We would lobby for 50/50 representation to ensure women are effectively protected.”
The organisation is calling on government ministries and relevant authorities to tighten regulations, enforce penalties for malpractice and ensure women are compensated when their rights are violated.
“We call upon the relevant ministries and organisations to strongly look into these issues for the betterment of young women rising in the sector,” she said. “As ZAWIMA, we are here to make sure women are heard.”
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