Sinokubonga Nkala
Nokuthaba Brita Ncube, ncubenokuthababrita@gmail.com
THE Zimbabwe Association of Women in Mining Associations (ZAWIMA) chairperson, Ms Kundai Chikonzo, has been appointed board member for the African Women in Mining in Africa (AWIMA) 2063 initiative.
AWIMA is a continental network that champions the participation, leadership, and empowerment of women in Africa’s extractive industries.
Ms Chikonzo, a registered small-scale gold miner since 2012, has been at the forefront of advocating for gender equality and empowerment in Zimbabwe’s mining sector, traditionally a male-dominated field.
She is a director and shareholder of Chete Tee Consults and the general manager of Hawkline Mine, and the founding chairperson of ZAWIMA.
Her appointment to the AWIMA board marks a significant milestone for Zimbabwe and highlights the growing influence of women leaders in shaping the future of mining on the continent.
Through her new role at AWIMA, Ms Chikonzo envisions creating opportunities for women at the grassroots level, particularly in countries with artisanal and small-scale mining.
Her mission aligns with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guidelines on responsible sourcing for gold and critical minerals, promoting ethical practices across the mining value chain.
ZAWIMA, launched in October 2022, represents women mining associations from eight provinces in Zimbabwe.
Its core objectives include increasing women’s participation in mining, fostering safe and inclusive workplaces, and mainstreaming gender equality across the industry.
Ms Chikonzo stressed the importance of amplifying women’s voices in decision-making processes within the mining sector.
“Women’s positions in the male-dominated mining industry must be equally respected,” she said.
The association also works to improve the standard of living for women and girls in mining communities by advocating for health rights and establishing feedback systems to enhance service delivery for women and children.
ZAWIMA prioritises creating workplaces where all workers feel safe and valued.
It supports diversity and inclusion throughout the mining value chain.
One of its goals is to track health spending on women and children at district, provincial, and national levels, ensuring continuous improvements in healthcare services for mining communities.
Zimbabwe has seen a rise in women’s participation in the mining industry, with organisations like ZAWIMA paving the way for inclusivity and empowerment.
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