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Zimbabwean miner and women’s empowerment champion Blessing Hungwe was named Global Influencer of the Year at the 2nd Annual Women in Mining Awards, an accolade that honoured her impact and leadership in the mining sector locally and across the region, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
Organised by Women Empowerment in Mining Zimbabwe (WEMZ), the awards, which attracted a record turnout, celebrated women making a mark across the mining sector, from artisanal and small-scale operations to corporate leadership and policy advocacy.
Introducing the award, Dr Chiedza Chipangura, founder of WEMZ, described Hungwe as a trailblazer who is representing women in mining on a global stage.
“I can confidently say that Blessing Hungwe is a true pacesetter, the flag bearer of Zimbabwean women in mining, taking our talent, resilience, and innovation into global boardrooms. She shows that women from Zimbabwe can lead, influence, and make their mark on the world stage, inspiring others to break barriers and claim leadership at every level of the sector.”
Hungwe has built her reputation through years of dedication to artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM), expanding operations into gold, chrome, and semi-precious stones.
Beyond her personal success, she has been a leading advocate for women in mining, creating platforms for networking, mentorship, and policy engagement.
Her leadership spans several organisations. She has held senior roles in the Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF), the Zimbabwe Association of Women in Mining Associations (ZAWIMA), and the African Women in Mining Association (AWIMA).
She currently serves as Regional Knowledge Exchange Coordinator for Anglophone Africa under the World Bank-supported Delve Exchange programme, promoting knowledge sharing and capacity building for ASM operators.
The 2nd Annual Women in Mining Awards underscored the growing visibility of women in the sector, with Hungwe’s recognition standing out as a reminder that Zimbabwean women are not only shaping local mining communities but also making their presence felt in global boardrooms.
