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How Tanzania empowers women in mining

THE Tanzanian Government is taking significant strides to empower women

DODOMA: THE Tanzanian Government is taking significant strides to empower women in the country’s thriving mining industry.

With over three million women currently active in the mineral value chain, the Ministry of Minerals is rolling out a series of strategies and interventions aimed at enhancing their participation and improving their livelihoods.

Deputy Minister for Minerals, Dr Stephen Kiruswa, told the National Assembly that the government is conducting a geological survey to identify suitable mining areas for women to operate.

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This initiative, coupled with various empowerment programmes, aims to ensure that women can benefit from the sector and contribute to the country’s economic growth.

“The Ministry, in collaboration with the State Mining Company (STAMICO), the Mining Commission, and the Tanzania Women Miners Association (TAWOMA), is working to designate specific mining blocks for women to strengthen their participation in the industry.”

Dr Kiruswa said A recent survey conducted by TAWOMA in partnership with STAMICO revealed that while only a small percentage of women currently own mining sites, many are actively involved in mineral processing and other related activities.

“The 2022 Population and Housing Census shows that ap proximately three million women are part of the mineral value chain, and we are committed to supporting them,” Dr Kiruswa said.

The government is com mitted to supporting women in securing licenses and enhancing their contributions to the industry.

Dr Kiruswa emphasized the importance of women’s empowerment in uplifting entire communities.

He encouraged women to form groups and engage with the Ministry to take advantage of government-designated mining areas.

The Deputy Minister also pointed to a survey conducted by TAWOMA and STAMICO involving 992 women miners from Shinyanga, Geita, Mara, and Simiyu.

“The survey found that while 1.7 per cent of the women own mining sites, 6.8 per cent hold licenses for mining plots, and 86.2 per cent are engaged in mineral processing.

An additional 5.3 per cent provide various services at mining sites.”

He said TAWOMA, established in 1997, plays a crucial role in organizing women miners, ad dressing their challenges, and advocating for a supportive business environment.

By providing training, market support, and policy advocacy, TAWOMA is empowering women to become economically viable and environmentally responsible miners.

As Tanzania continues to develop its mining sector, the government’s efforts to pro mote women’s participation are essential for ensuring a more equitable and inclusive industry.

Empowering women in Tanzania’s extractive industry requires a comprehensive approach that tackles systemic barriers, promotes education and training, challenges cultural stereotypes, and enforces policies prioritizing women’s safety and inclusion across all aspects of the mining sector.

In Tanzania, mineral exploitation is carried out by both Large-Scale Miners (LSM) and Arti sanal and Small-scale Miners (ASM).

ALSO READ: How TZ unlocks mining sector’s huge potential

ASM refers to subsistence mining activities involving individuals or small enterprises that rely on low levels of technology due to poor capitalization, lack of knowledge, and limited skills.

By recognizing and supporting the vital role of women in this sector, Tanzania can unlock its full potential for sustainable development and eco nomic growth.