
Listen to this article
Download AudioEmpowering Women in Zimbabwe’s Informal Gold Mining Sector for Equality
By Darius Spearman (africanelements)
Support African Elements at patreon.com/africanelements and hear recent news in a single playlist. Additionally, you can gain early access to ad-free video content.
KEY TAKEAWAYS |
---|
Women’s participation in informal gold mining is only 11% in Zimbabwe. |
Women primarily engage in lower-paid “light duties” in the mining sector. |
The decline of agriculture has pushed many women into artisanal mining for survival. |
Cultural practices and rituals are used by women to assert power in a male-dominated space. |
Environmental hazards, particularly mercury, pose health risks to women miners. |
Systemic change is essential to promote gender equality in the mining sector. |
Gender Inequality in Zimbabwe’s Mining Sector
In Zimbabwe’s informal gold mining fields, women face systemic bias hindering their economic growth. Although mining is essential to Zimbabwe’s economy, women make up only 11% of those involved in artisanal mining. They are often limited to tasks like cleaning and washing gold, echoing deep-rooted gender roles that continue inequality. (Planet Gold)
Women’s Participation in Zimbabwe’s Artisanal Mining
Understanding Informal and Artisanal Gold Mining
To grasp the challenges women face, it’s essential to understand informal gold mining and artisanal mining. Informal gold mining involves extraction activities without proper legal permits or licenses. These operations often lack regulation, leading to environmental harm and social conflicts (Illegal mining – Wikipedia). Artisanal mining refers to small-scale mining using minimal technology and labor-intensive methods. It differs from industrial mining in scale and techniques, often relying on manual labor and simple tools (Chapter 8: Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining). Together, these forms of mining provide livelihoods for many but operate in legally gray areas.
What Is Artisanal Mining?

Artisanal Mining: Small-scale mining using simple tools and techniques. It often takes place informally and provides income for many in rural areas. Despite its economic importance, it poses environmental and health risks due to lack of regulation.
Patriarchal Norms and Militarized Masculinity in Mining
Deeply rooted patriarchal norms in Zimbabwe prioritize male authority, limiting women’s roles and opportunities. In the mining sector, these norms manifest as militarized masculinity, emphasizing aggression and dominance. This culture makes it hard for women to participate fully, as they face exclusion and discrimination. Such environments not only hinder women’s advancement but also reinforce power imbalances (Rituals, rites and rumours: how women claim power in Zimbabwe’s informal gold mines). Therefore, addressing these cultural barriers is essential for achieving gender equality in mining.
Furthermore, the promotion of aggressive masculine traits often leads to conflicts and suppresses women’s voices. This environment can be intimidating for women, discouraging them from asserting their rights or seeking leadership roles. Changing these norms requires collective efforts to promote inclusivity and respect within mining communities.
Barriers and Strategies for Women’s Participation
Women in Zimbabwe’s mining sector face numerous barriers. Legal restrictions and lack of asset ownership prevent them from accessing resources and financing. Social stigma and patriarchal attitudes limit their participation and influence. Additionally, women often lack access to education and training, hindering their ability to advance (Barriers to women’s full participation in Artisanal and Small Scale Mining in Zimbabwe).
Despite these challenges, women employ various strategies to assert their presence—some leverage cultural practices and rituals to gain influence within their communities. By engaging in traditional ceremonies, they build support and legitimacy for their involvement in mining. Others collaborate with supportive men who advocate for gender equality, helping to break down barriers.
Impact of Environmental Degradation on Women
The environmental damage from informal mining significantly affects local communities. Women bear the brunt of these impacts due to their roles in managing household resources and health. Exposure to mercury and other toxins poses severe health risks, including respiratory problems and poisoning. Additionally, deforestation and water pollution disrupt livelihoods, especially for those relying on agriculture and clean water (Confronting Militarised Masculinities: Transforming the Artisanal Mining Sector in Zimbabwe).
Addressing environmental degradation requires adopting sustainable mining practices. Providing education and resources can help miners reduce harmful impacts. Moreover, involving women in decision-making ensures that their perspectives guide environmental initiatives. Protecting the environment improves health outcomes and supports long-term economic stability for communities.
The Rise of Women in Artisanal Mining
The decline in Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector pushed many women to look for jobs in mining. Presently, over 500,000 artisanal miners support roughly one million people indirectly. (WILPF.org) Despite this, women face big hurdles like not owning assets and having little decision-making power.
Mining Sector’s Economic Contribution
Women use various methods to gain influence in this male-dominated area. Some turn to cultural practices and rituals to assert their role and impact. (The Conversation) The industry’s militarized male dominance makes it tough for women to progress without wider cultural involvement.
Socioeconomic Impact of Gold Rushes
Gold rushes result in complicated power shifts that alter local societies. These events bring quick social and financial shifts, impacting labor structures and hierarchies. (Zora) Many locals join due to economic need but face exploitation in these informal setups.
The industry confronts severe environmental degradation and health hazards. Using mercury in gold processing poses major threats to workers and nearby communities. Women are disproportionately affected as they often deal with toxic materials without adequate safety gear or training.
Pathways to Gender Equality
Improving gender equality requires major changes. Important strategies include:
- Finding male advocates to support women’s rights
- Offering technical support and training for women
- Changing mining institutions to be more inclusive
- Challenging cultural norms that uphold male dominance
The Road Ahead
Achieving actual change in Zimbabwe’s artisanal mining sector involves fixing major power imbalances. The country has seen progress since gaining independence in 1980, yet significant inequities remain. Women persist in their fight for economic justice within a system meant to limit their contributions and growth.
The push for women’s economic power in Zimbabwe’s mining sector mirrors broader fights against systemic inequality. Real progress requires dismantling patriarchal power structures, not merely implementing superficial changes. Women’s full involvement is vital to social justice and sustainable economic progress.
FAQ
Q: What is the participation rate of women in Zimbabwe’s artisanal mining sector?
A: Only 11% of participants in artisanal mining are women, highlighting significant gender inequality in the sector.
Q: Why have women turned to mining in Zimbabwe?
A: The decline of Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector has pushed many women to seek economic opportunities in mining, with over 500,000 artisanal miners now supporting approximately one million people indirectly.
Q: What are some barriers women face in the mining sector?
A: Women face significant barriers such as lack of asset ownership, limited decision-making authority, and the need to navigate a male-dominated environment.
Q: How do women assert their power in the mining space?
A: Women leverage cultural practices and rituals to claim their presence and influence within a sector characterized by militarized masculinity.
Q: What health and environmental challenges do women face in the sector?
A: Women are disproportionately affected by health risks and environmental degradation, particularly due to the toxic materials used in gold processing, often without proper safety equipment.
Q: What is necessary for achieving gender equality in Zimbabwe’s mining sector?
A: Achieving gender equality requires systemic change, including advocating for women’s rights, providing training, reforming mining institutions, and challenging patriarchal cultural norms.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Darius Spearman is a professor of Black Studies at San Diego City College, where he has been teaching since 2007. He is the author of several books, including Between The Color Lines: A History of African Americans on the California Frontier Through 1890. You can visit Darius online at africanelements.org.