By Kitab Unango, SSMJ Juba, Tuesday (November 12, 2024) - Aiming to encourage women and youth to participate meaningfully in the mining industry, the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) is making a transformative push for inclusivity within the Great Lakes Region. Mining has a long history of male dominance, which has kept women at a distance from the industry and prevented them from advancing economically and, consequently, socially. The potential social and economic bene
By Kitab Unango, SSMJ
Juba, Tuesday (November 12, 2024) - Aiming to encourage women and youth to participate meaningfully in the mining industry, the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) is making a transformative push for inclusivity within the Great Lakes Region.
Mining has a long history of male dominance, which has kept women at a distance from the industry and prevented them from advancing economically and, consequently, socially.
The potential social and economic benefits of women's participation have prompted ICGLR to implement laws that will guarantee young people and women a fair share of the industry's profits.
During a recent conference, Ham Mungyereza, representative of the ICGLR executive secretary, stressed the significance of gender equality in the field, saying:
“Traditionally, mineral sectors have been dominated by men. So, we are putting in fresh programs that will be conducive for women and even the youth to earn.”
The ICGLR’s goal is not only to integrate women into the mining industry but to empower them to thrive within it by providing the resources, skills, and support they need.
Historically, barriers to entry in mining have been high for women, particularly in rural areas where financial access, limited training opportunities, and lack of safety at work sites have made it difficult for them to engage fully in the sector.
However, ICGLR's new initiatives are systematically dismantling these barriers, paving the way for women to enter mining on an equal footing.
"The whole issue is that we are trying to ensure that women can generate income in order to enhance themselves," explained the ICGLR executive representative.
By focusing on self-reliance and income generation, ICGLR’s initiatives aim to drive lasting change that will uplift entire families and communities across the Great Lakes Region.
For ICGLR, gender inclusivity in mining is not only about equity but also about regional economic progress.
The Great Lakes Region is rich in mineral resources, from gold and diamonds to cobalt and copper, which are critical for the global economy.
Leveraging this wealth to include women would significantly boost local economies and create a stable base for further development.
ICGLR positions its policy shifts as a cornerstone for sustainable regional growth, establishing a link between economic empowerment for women and broad-based regional advancement.
Dr. Cosmas Pitia, undersecretary at the Ministry of Mining and a strong proponent of ICGLR’s vision, highlighted the significance of the economic advantages that come with including women in the mineral sector.
“Involving women in the mineral sectors is not just an issue of equality,” Dr. Pitia noted in his speech at the conference. “It is about transforming our economy. Women's involvement will bring additional income sources for families and, in the long run, improve our economy.”
Dr. Pitia’s words reflect the broader perspective that women’s inclusion in mining is an essential step for unlocking the region’s full economic potential.
In addition to financial and educational support, ICGLR has identified workplace safety as a key factor for women in mining. Many mining sites have historically been hazardous, particularly for women who often face harassment and other safety issues.
To address this, ICGLR’s new policies are establishing safer and more respectful work environments, ensuring that women can work with dignity.
By creating more gender-sensitive workplaces, ICGLR is working to make mining a viable career path for women and provide long-term economic stability.
Among the voices advocating for these changes is Dudu Sebit Abdalla, secretary for gender and child welfare in the Civil Society Alliance and chairperson of the Lengi National Women Self-Help Organization.
Dudu, a prominent figure in the region’s efforts for gender equity, shared her own experiences at the conference, speaking candidly about the challenges women have faced and the resilience required to break into a male-dominated industry.
"Mining has always been a man’s world, and it took some women years to gain acceptance," she stated. "But we can’t be left out anymore. Women deserve a place here just as much as men."
The economic potential of these initiatives is substantial. By bringing women into mining, ICGLR is not only promoting gender equity but also driving long-term regional growth.
As more women enter the industry, they will contribute diverse perspectives and fresh approaches that can foster innovation, stability, and resilience in mining communities.
The ICGLR’s commitment to gender inclusivity is reshaping the mining landscape in the Great Lakes Region, offering new opportunities for women to break barriers, earn income, and contribute to regional progress.
This transformative movement is setting a precedent that can inspire similar changes in other resource-rich regions.
ICGLR’s vision for an inclusive mining sector not only supports women’s empowerment but also stands as a model for sustainable economic growth.
By ensuring that women benefit from the region’s natural resources, the ICGLR is working toward a future where prosperity is shared equitably, making a mining industry that is truly for everyone.
For women like Dudu, this marks a moment of long-overdue recognition and opportunity, one that promises a brighter, more inclusive future for the Great Lakes Region.