Michael Magoronga

A newly formed women in mining empowerment group, Women in Mining in Zimbabwe (WIM Zimbabwe), was launched in Harare last week where various women from across the country exhibited locally sourced gemstones, highlighting the role of women in the mining industry.

The exhibition marked the official launch of the organization which was formed in September this year.

The exhibition was also part of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) funded by the US EMBASSY.It meant to showcase the technical skills and entrepreneurial spirit of women in mining in Zimbabwe.

WIM Zimbabwe Country director, Dr Mutete said the gemstone display reflected the organization’s commitment to sustainable and responsible mining practices.

She said through the program, WIM Zimbabwe gained the tools and insights to build a platform for empowering women in mining.

“This is a proud moment for WIM Zimbabwe. The AWE program gave us the foundation to formalize our work and bring women miners together to create something truly transformative. We are excited to officially launch WIM Zimbabwe and continue advocating for gender inclusivity, sustainable mining and opportunities for young women to thrive in this industry,” she said.

The organization plans to expand its efforts to address key challenges in mining communities’ ranging from gender equality, capacity building and education.

Dr Mutete said going into 2025, the organization is looking for ways to broaden its operations as it ventures to all corners of the country.

“We want to campaign against gender based violence, child labor, and promote climate action and sustainable mining practices. We also seek to strengthen partnerships and secure funding opportunities, this is why we invite stakeholders and partners to join its mission of empowering and promoting responsible mining practices as we create mentorship programs for young women in the mining communities among other issues,” said Dr Mutete.