Estimates suggest that women occupy only 10% of jobs in the large-scale mining sector and even fewer work directly in the mines.
Women are thought to represent about 30 per cent of the artisanal and small-scale mining workforce of around 40 million people.
Women face many risks and challenges in the sector due to their gender.
Domestic and childcare responsibilities, a lack of formalised access to land and resources and lower education levels all conspire to prevent women from fulfilling their potential in the extractive sector.
Despite international attention, gender-based violence (GBV) persists and could increase in the near future due to structural, social and cultural barriers, and perceptions in society.
Poverty continues to exist and affect families. In cases where they cannot afford school fees, women and girls might be forced to pay with sex for their education.
The study aims to address and deal with those gender-based challenges for girls and women within the extractive sector
Solution
Montrose was contracted by GIZ to carry out a study on GBV in the extractive sector in Africa.
The study included incidents of GBV occurring among staff in office settings, at large-scale mining sites, and between company workers.
Data was collected on GBV incidents perpetrated by mining company staff towards members of surrounding communities.
It also highlighted incidents of GBV perpetrated towards men, and success stories of GBV being combatted by companies, governments, NGOs, and within mining communities.
Impact
The study researched gender-based violence in the extractive sector and provide recommendations to address GBV across Africa.
The products of the study will serve as a directory for identifying and addressing gender-based violence on women and girls in the extractive sector.
The study identified gender-based challenges and incidents of violence against girls and women in the extractive sector, to help the industry address and avoid them from the beginning.
