Women play a critical role in Africa’s mining sector, contributing as artisanal and small-scale miners, entrepreneurs, and professionals in mining services and value addition. However, despite their contributions, women in mining face significant barriers to accessing funding, which limits their ability to grow their businesses, invest in modern technologies, and improve working conditions.
The Loans & Investment Readiness Program for Women in Mining is an initiative by WiM-Africa designed to equip women miners and entrepreneurs with the necessary financial skills, business knowledge, and access to funding opportunities to help them thrive in the industry.
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By supporting this program, banks, microfinance institutions, development agencies, mining companies, and investors can contribute to women’s economic empowerment and the sustainable growth of the mining sector across Africa.
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The Next Generation Women in Mining Initiative is a transformative program by Women in Mining Africa (WiM-Africa), designed to bridge the gender gap in the mining industry. With over 700 young women already registered, this initiative connects female students, recent graduates, and early-career professionals with opportunities for internships, mentorship, and career development in the mining and mineral resources sector across Africa.
We are calling on mining companies, service providers, corporate sponsors, and NGOs to partner with us in this mission to create a sustainable pipeline of skilled female professionals in the industry.
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Women remain significantly underrepresented in the mining sector, facing barriers such as limited access to training, employment opportunities, and career advancement. The Next Generation Women in Mining Initiative seeks to break these barriers by:
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Providing internships and hands-on industry experience for young women.
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Offering mentorship and leadership development programs.
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Encouraging companies and industry stakeholders to invest in a diverse workforce.
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Creating a network of partner NGOs to promote local engagement and outreach.
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One of our primary goals is to eliminate child labor in mining. Children working in mines are exposed to extreme hazards that jeopardize their health, safety, and future prospects. WiM-Africa collaborates with local implementing partners to identify and remove children from these dangerous environments. Through our "Voices of Children from the Pits" (VoC) Program, we raise awareness and collect vital data to advocate for policy changes and support interventions that provide education and safer alternatives for these vulnerable children.
We invite you to become an integral partner in transforming Africa’s mining landscape through Project M-SAFE. This initiative is a comprehensive, three-year program designed to reduce mining fatalities, formalize artisanal operations, and empower vulnerable communities—especially women miners—while promoting robust, sustainable practices.
By funding this project, you will directly support critical research, capacity-building workshops, and policy advocacy campaigns that not only save lives but also drive socio-economic development and resilient community growth.
Aligning your investment with global ESG standards and Africa’s Agenda 2063, you have the opportunity to create lasting impact, turning the tragic legacy of the Silent 15 of Bilalikoto into a catalyst for positive change. Join us as we forge a safer, more sustainable future in Africa’s mining sector.
"We reaffirm our commitment to ending unsafe mining practices and advocating for a future where no one has to risk their life to earn a living." Dr Comfort Asokoro-Ogaji
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On February 15, 2025, in Bilalikoto, Mali, over 48 artisanal women miners tragically lost their lives while working at a gold mine to support their families.
To ensure that these sacrifices are never forgotten, Women in Mining Africa (WiM-Africa) has formally adopted “Silent 15 of Bilalikoto – Honoring the Fallen” as an annual day of remembrance.
This day stands as a solemn tribute to the countless women who risk their lives daily in artisanal mining under unsafe and exploitative conditions and serves as a rallying cry for justice, safety, and regulatory reform.
Under the stewardship of Women in Mining Africa (WiM-Africa), the quest for responsible mineral sourcing in Africa is undergoing a profound transformation. Through strategic leadership and unwavering advocacy, WiM-Africa is spearheaded initiatives that place women and children at the forefront of efforts to create a mining sector that is both prosperous and ethical by working with its implementing partners across African communities and states.
Advocacy Program for Women in Mining and Communities – South Sudan
We invite all South Sudan stakeholders—government institutions, mining companies, donor agencies, financial institutions, NGOs, and advocacy groups—to collaborate with us.
Together, we can:
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• Shape Policy: Support and enforce child protection and responsible mining policies.
• Empower Communities: Contribute to capacity-building initiatives that uplift women miners and secure a future for our children.
• Drive Sustainable Change: Engage in multi-stakeholder collaborations that create lasting impact across mining communities.
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WiM-Africa Policy Dialogue Program for Child Mining Eradication in Africa
The WIM-Africa Policy Dialogue Program for Child Mining Eradication in Africa convenes stakeholders to discuss and develop strategies to combat child labour in mining activities across the continent.
Through collaborative policy dialogues, WIM-Africa aims to advocate for legislative reforms, regulatory frameworks, and community interventions to eradicate child mining and ensure the protection of children's rights.
By fostering dialogue and cooperation among government agencies, NGOs, mining companies, and local communities, WIM-Africa's program seeks to drive collective action towards the elimination of child labour in African mining sectors.
