Empowering Women in Nigeria’s Mining Industry
The mining industry in Nigeria has traditionally been male-dominated, but a shift is occurring, driven by Women in Mining in Nigeria (WIMIN). This organization is dedicated to empowering and uplifting women in the Nigerian mineral, exploration, and mining sector, bringing their rights and contributions to the forefront.
Established in 2006, WIMIN is a non-governmental organization tirelessly advocating for the advancement of women in the mining industry. According to Engr. Janet Adeyemi, the President of WIMIN, the organization aims to give women a voice in the sector and challenge traditional norms that have hindered their progress.
Prior to the formation of WIMIN, the role of women in the industry was relatively unknown. They were not involved in contract negotiations and often bore the brunt of the mining impact. However, with the establishment of WIMIN, women now have a platform to showcase their expertise and make active contributions to the sector.
One of the significant challenges faced by women in the Nigerian mining sector is access to funding. The patriarchal society and deeply entrenched cultural beliefs make it difficult for women to own equipment and obtain necessary funding for mining operations. This is where WIMIN plays a crucial role by advocating for the financial inclusion of women in the industry.
Furthermore, WIMIN has also addressed the security risks that women face while working in mine sites in the country. With the prevalent threat of being kidnapped or killed by militant groups, such as Boko Haram, the safety of women in the mining sector is a top priority for the organization.
In its mission to empower women, WIMIN has launched various initiatives, including the Girls for Mining (G4M) program, which aims to mentor young girls and encourage them to pursue mining and STEM-related courses. Additionally, the Women in Mining Training Institution (WIMTI) has been established to provide knowledge and education on critical issues in the mining sector.
A significant milestone for WIMIN is the launch of the WIM Rights app, which enables victims of human rights violations in the mining sector to report incidents and seek assistance promptly. This app serves as a crucial tool in addressing various forms of mistreatment and discrimination that women may face in the industry.
Despite the persisting challenges, WIMIN has made remarkable progress in changing the status quo in the Nigerian mining sector. Women now have a voice, and the government has acknowledged the vital role they play. As Engr. Janet Adeyemi aptly puts it, the Nigerian mining space is showing signs of improvement, and WIMIN continues to pave the way for women to thrive in this significant sector.
