Women in artisanal and small-scale mining in central and east Africa : a snapshot of challenges and opportunities for empowerment

Abstract

This project is part of the Growth and Economic Opportunities for Women (GrOW) program, presenting an overview of the challenges women face in the artisanal mining sector, based on preliminary analysis of 878 surveys, dozens of focus groups, and interviews. Women’s diverse and active participation in the artisanal sector, and the gendered experience of artisanal mining is often ignored. Research and survey findings support recommendations advanced in this paper, including recognition and consideration of the gendered impacts of mining sector policy reform.