VP Mphoko decries female miners’ exclusion Minister Abednico Ncube unveils a plaque at the commissioning of the Mthandazo Women’s Gold Service Centre in Colleen Bawn on Thursday
Minister Abednico Ncube unveils a plaque at the commissioning of the Mthandazo Women’s Gold Service Centre in Colleen Bawn on Thursday

Minister Abednico Ncube unveils a plaque at the commissioning of the Mthandazo Women’s Gold Service Centre in Colleen Bawn on Thursday

Richard Muponde, Gwanda Correspondent
VICE President Phelekezela Mphoko has decried the discrimination against women in the mining sector.

Statistics show out that of 50 000 artisanal miners in the country only 15 percent are women while 80 percent of the small scale and gemstone claims belong to men.

In a speech read on his behalf by the Minister Rural Development, Promotion and Preservation of National Culture and Heritage Abednico Ncube at the commissioning of Mthandazo Women’s Mining Service Centre Stamp Mill in Colleen Bawn on Thursday, VP Mphoko said the environment should be made conducive for women to venture into formal large scale mining.

The commissioning was held concurrently with the International Rural Women’s Day and Family Day commemorations.

“It’s also disheartening to note that 95 percent of women in gold mining are in the small scale sector, with 55 percent of them being illegal gold panners. This gloomy picture calls for concerted effort to be directed towards creating a conducive environment that encourages more women to venture into the formal large scale mining sector,” said VP Mphoko.

He said the involvement of women in mining was crucial in pushing the agenda of their empowerment through their participation in major economic activities.

“This will provide viable financial security options for the women miners, particularly those based in rural areas,” said VP Mphoko.

“The mining service centre will provide equipment for hiring out and gold processing services to women miners at nominal fees. I’m also informed that plans are also at an advanced stage for the centre to provide mining extension services to women miners.”

He applauded the Ministry of Women Affairs, Gender and Community Development for spearheading the construction of the stamp mill.

“I would like to applaud the ministry, UNDP and the local leadership of Matabeleland South for funding and expediting the establishment of this centre which will benefit and empower many women,” said VP Mphoko.

 

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