The Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Minerals Workers Union (ZDAMWU) has raised serious concerns over what it describes as widespread abuse of female workers in Chinese-owned mining companies, including sexual harassment, unlawful dismissals and demands for HIV status as a condition for employment.
In an interview with CITE, the union’s General Secretary Justice Chinhema said the situation facing women in the mining sector is “alarming” and requires urgent intervention at both national and international levels.
ZDAMWU’s National Council, the union’s highest decision-making body between congresses met recently to craft policies and strategies for 2026 with the protection of female workers emerging as a top priority.
“We are seeing so many female employees bringing cases of abuse, unlawful touching and body shaming. The situation on the ground is very disturbing,” said Chinhema
He said female workers in several Chinese-run mining operations have reported sexual harassment and degrading treatment.
Some are allegedly referred to as “small Maria” or “big Maria”, descriptions linked to their body size.
Beyond harassment, the union has received complaints that some women are being asked to produce HIV test results before they can be employed.
“That cannot be allowed. If a person is asked to bring their HIV status to secure employment, that is abuse and discrimination. It must stop,” said Chinhema.
Chinhema highlighted a recent case in Inyathi where three female employees were allegedly dismissed with one termination directly linked to the worker’s HIV status.
The union has since escalated the matter to the International Labour Organization (ILO), arguing that the dismissals constitute discrimination and a violation of international labour standards.
“We have reported the Inyathi case to the ILO so it is captured at international level. Our engagement is not limited to government. We also want the international community to know what is happening,” he said.
He described the Inyathi case as a clear example of how some foreign employers are allegedly bypassing Zimbabwean labour laws and basic human rights standards.
Chinhema said ZDAMWU plans to confront the abuses through engagement with the Gender Commission, the Human Rights Commission, the Ministry of Labour and other government authorities.
“Our labour laws are very clear. Sexual harassment is a criminal offence. Unfair labour practices are prohibited. Foreign investors cannot come here and disregard our laws,” he lamented.
He dismissed attempts to deny wrongdoing, saying the issue is not about investors in general but about specific foreign workers operating in Zimbabwe.
“There are Chinese nationals working here who are abusing our fellow workers. As a union we cannot remain silent.”
The union also intends to publicize documented sexually abuse cases internationally so as to ensure accountability.
“We profile these cases and share them internationally so that people understand we are not fabricating stories. These things are happening.”
While abuse of women dominated discussions, the union is also preparing for wage negotiations after the current agreement expires. Mine workers are pushing for a minimum wage of US$650 going forward.
Chinhema said strengthening membership and organising unionised mines will be central to the union’s strategy in 2026.
“A trade union is measured by its strength. We are putting together strategies to recruit new members and organise mines that are not fully unionised,” he said.
But he made it clear that protecting female workers remains an urgent priority.
“We do not want investors or workers who abuse female workers. We are going to confront this and it must stop,” added Chinhema.
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