ZAWIMA Mobilizing Funds to Empower Women in Mining
The Zimbabwe Association of Women in Mining (ZAWIMA) is mobilizing resources to adequately fund its women-focused training programs, Chairperson Kundai Chikonzo told Mining Zimbabwe.
By Hazel Gara
ZAWIMA has been instrumental in increasing the participation of women in the mining sector. Its growth has contributed to job creation, particularly in rural areas, empowering women and granting them financial independence. Many women who were once reliant on their husbands for support now enjoy self-sufficiency.
Speaking to this publication, ZAWIMA Chairperson Kundai Chikonzo highlighted the organization’s commitment to empowering women and the impact it has made so far.
“We have support groups for women where they are taught about geology and health. We also offer training in business enterprise, literacy, taxation, and mining as a business. To achieve this, we need about US$60,000 to cover expenses across all mining provinces in Zimbabwe,” Chikonzo said.
She emphasized that ZAWIMA’s vision is “to enhance women’s participation and involvement in the mining sector” and stressed the need for additional funding to achieve this goal.
Training and Support Initiatives
ZAWIMA provides critical support for women in mining through training programs that build knowledge and skills in areas like geology, business management, and taxation.
Other organizations, such as the Mthandazo Women Miners’ Association, complement these efforts by offering legal training, expert guidance on responsible sourcing, and assistance with registering mining companies.
ZAWIMA, launched in October 2022, is a women-led association that brings together women miners from Zimbabwe’s eight mining provinces, including Bulawayo and Harare. It seeks to increase the representation of women in the mining industry and foster workplace diversity.
Challenges Facing Women in Mining
Despite progress, women in the mining sector continue to face significant challenges, particularly in accessing capital and obtaining the necessary licenses to operate.
Limited access to collateral and financial networks often leaves many female entrepreneurs in mining without the resources they need to grow and sustain their businesses.
Experts are calling for inclusive financing models, policy reforms, and capacity-building initiatives to address these challenges. Gender-responsive lending, targeted grants, and mentorship programs are seen as essential tools to help women in mining access the financial resources and networks necessary for success.
By mobilizing resources and advocating for systemic change, ZAWIMA and similar organizations are paving the way for greater inclusion and empowerment of women in Zimbabwe’s mining industry.