By ABAH ADAH, Abuja
A renowned women in mining advocacy group, Women in Mining Africa (WiM-Africa) has said it will expand the scope of its women empowerment programmes for the sector and launch more innovative initiatives to make more impact across Africa in the coming year 2025.
In a statement made available to newsmen on behalf of the Executive Director of WiM-Africa, Dr Comfort Asokoro-Ogaji, on Thursday, the group reflected on the milestones it achieved in 2024, while declaring its resolve to consolidate in 2025 for impact across the African continent.
In line with its mission to support women’s leadership in the mining sector, WiM-Africa has been advocating for greater representation of women miners on boards, in the field, and across various commodities and services. This includes supporting initiatives that provide funding to artisanal and small-scale miners (ASM), with the goal of driving more sustainable practices and empowering these miners with the tools they need to succeed.
The expansion initiatives according to the statement will include: scaling up the group’s running Voices from the Pit programme, launching additional mentorship and capacity-building initiatives, and deepening partnerships with stakeholders, including corporate organisations, universities, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and African leaders.
Emphasising the importance of collaboration with other stakeholders, Dr Asokoro-Ogaji said, “Our success is dependent on the strength of our partnerships. By working together, we can create lasting change, promote responsible mining practices, and ensure that women have a seat at the table in the decision-making processes. The future of the mining sector in Africa depends on our collective commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and empowerment.
“WiM-Africa’s vision for 2025 is to empower even more women in the mining sector, creating opportunities for education, leadership, and sustainable development.”
Commending the group’s outing in 2024, the statement said, “WiM-Africa has continued to strengthen its role in advocating for the rights and empowerment of women in the mining sector, particularly in Africa. Through transformative initiatives, strategic collaborations, and ongoing advocacy, the organisation has made a significant impact across the continent.
“One of the standout achievements of the year was WiM-Africa’s support for Comfort Ezekiel, a young girl from Kogi State, Nigeria, who lost her arm in a mining accident. Comfort’s life has taken a positive turn as WiM-Africa fully funded her education, providing a vital opportunity for her to rebuild her future despite the tragic setback.
“This initiative aligns with WiM-Africa’s commitment to creating pathways for women and children in mining-affected communities to access education and a better future.
“The launch of the Voices from the Pits programme has also been a monumental success. With the participation of 138 implementing partners across 36 countries, this programme is advocating for the removal of children from hazardous mines while promoting the provision of sustainable livelihoods in mining communities.
“The program is gaining significant momentum, with WiM-Africa driving policy changes and engaging stakeholders to ensure children at the mines have access to safe educational opportunities.”
The statement also added that WiM-Africa is also deeply involved in data collection efforts regarding mining communities, working closely with local partners to understand the needs of these areas and ensure the proper measures are in place to transition children from the mines to schools.
Reeling out the success stories of the group in the outgoing year further, the statement noted, “In 2024, WiM-Africa strengthened its governance through the appointment of a new board, which brings diverse leadership and expertise.
“The organisation has also expanded its reach through partnerships with the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) and Resource4Africa. These collaborations are critical in advocating for responsible mining practices and ensuring that African leaders are at the forefront of shaping the future of the sector.”
Another notable achievement captured in the statement is the Participation in Cornwall Mining and Geothermal Tour. In line with WiM-Africa commitment to advancing sustainable mining practices and empowering women in the industry, the Executive Director of Women in Mining Africa (WiM-Africa), participated in a transformative tour of leading mining and energy facilities in Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK).
The tour, organised by the Women in Mining UK with notable sponsors, included visits to Cornish Metals, Eden Geothermal Grinding Solutions Ltd (GSL), British Lithium and Imerys China Clay Operations, providing invaluable insights into cutting-edge technologies and best practices in mining, energy, and mineral processing.
The experience, according to WiM-Africa, directly contributes to the organisation’s continued efforts in supporting the professional growth of women in the industry and advocating for environmentally sustainable mining practices.
The WiM-Africa boss was also recognised as one of the WIM100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining for 2024,
an honour bestowed by the Women in Mining UK (WIMUK) on trailblazers who are making significant contributions to the mining industry, ensuring that it operates in a responsible, sustainable, and inclusive manner.