Challenges Faced by Female Miners in Nasarawa – A Cry for Help

The situation of female miners in Nasarawa State has gained prominence, as the Women in Mining Nigeria (WIMIN) has brought attention to the persistent harassment and sexual violence experienced by its members at various mining sites. Engr. Janet Adeyemi, the founder and national President of the Association, highlighted these issues during a two-day policy dialogue with stakeholders in the mining sector in Nasarawa.

Adeyemi expressed her resolve to address the increasing incidents of Sexual Gender Based Violence (SGBV) in the state. She cited concerning statistics, revealing that 23.1% of women in mining communities experience sexual violence, compared to 18.7% in non-mining communities, as reported by NDHD in 2020. She attributed these challenges to weak regulatory structures, a male-dominated industry, informal and illegal mining operations, and limited access to quality prevention and support services.

The project’s theme ‘Understanding and strengthening collaborative responses to combat sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in mining host communities’ aims to advocate for policy reforms and collaborate with stakeholders to enforce protocols for reporting and addressing SGBV. Adeyemi emphasized the need for concerted efforts to protect vulnerable groups, particularly women and children affected by artisanal mining in the state.

She also shed light on the broader issue of SGBV, stating that it is a persistent and alarming problem in Africa, affecting individuals regardless of age, gender, religion, or socioeconomic status. According to the Nigerian National Bureau of Statistics and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), 28% of Nigerian women have experienced sexual violence at some point in their lives, and 43.6% have experienced some form of violence in their lifetime.

Adeyemi’s dedication to addressing these challenges was evident as she highlighted the importance of educating male and female miners in host communities about the problem of SGBV and existing support structures and complaint mechanisms. She urged them to speak out against SGBV and harmful socio-cultural practices that perpetuate these issues.

The urgent need to address these concerns is crucial, considering the impact on the lives of female miners who are exposed to these dangers while pursuing opportunities in the mining industry. The call to action is clear – collaborative efforts and policy reforms are essential in creating a safer environment for all individuals involved in mining activities in Nasarawa.

The issues raised by WIMIN serve as a reminder that addressing SGBV requires a multi-faceted approach, involving both regulatory and societal changes. It is imperative to provide a platform for women to voice their concerns and seek meaningful solutions to ensure their safety and well-being in mining communities.

The challenges faced by female miners in Nasarawa are a stark reality that demands immediate attention and concerted efforts from all stakeholders involved. It is clear that the resilience and determination of WIMIN in addressing these issues will pave the way for a safer and more inclusive mining sector in the state.