By ABAH ADAH
Frontline women in mining advocacy group, Women in Mining Africa, WiM-Africa, said it will expand the scope of its women empowerment programmes and launch more innovative initiatives to make impact across Africa in 2025.
In a statement made available to newsmen on behalf of the Executive Director of WiM-Africa, Dr Comfort Asokoro-Ogaji, on Thursday, the group reflected on the milestones it achieved in 2024, while declaring its resolve to consolidate in 2025 for impact across the African continent.
In line with its mission to support women’s leadership in the mining sector, WiM-Africa has been advocating for greater representation of women miners on boards, on the field and across various commodities and services, including supporting initiatives that provide funding to artisanal and small-scale miners, ASM, with the goal of driving more sustainable practices and empowering these miners with the tools they need to succeed.
The expansion initiatives, according to the statement, include: scaling up the group’s Voices from the Pit programme, launching additional mentorship and capacity-building initiatives and deepening partnerships with stakeholders, including corporate organisations, universities, non-governmental organisations, and African leaders.
Emphasising the importance of collaboration with other stakeholders, Dr Asokoro-Ogaji said, “Our success is dependent on the strength of our partnerships. By working together, we can create lasting change, promote responsible mining practices and ensure that women have a seat at the table in the decision-making processes. The future of the mining sector in Africa depends on our collective commitment to sustainability, inclusivity and empowerment.
“WiM-Africa’s vision for 2025 is to empower even more women in the mining sector, create opportunities for education, leadership and sustainable development.”
Commending the group’s outing in 2024, the statement said, “WiM-Africa has continued to strengthen its role in advocating for the rights and empowerment of women in the mining sector, particularly in Africa. Through transformative initiatives, strategic collaborations and ongoing advocacy, the organisation has made a significant impact across the continent.
“One of the standout achievements of the year was WiM-Africa’s support for Comfort Ezekiel, a young girl from Kogi State who lost her arm in a mining accident. Comfort’s life has taken a positive turn as WiM-Africa fully funded her education, providing a vital opportunity for her to rebuild her future despite the tragic setback.
“The launch of Voices from the Pits programme has also been a monumental success. With the participation of 138 implementing partners across 36 countries, this programme is advocating for the removal of children from hazardous mines, while promoting the provision of sustainable livelihoods in mining communities,” the statement said.
Reeling out the success stories of the group in the outgoing year, the statement noted, “In 2024, WiM-Africa strengthened its governance through the appointment of a new board, which brings diverse leadership and expertise.
“The organisation also expanded its reach through partnerships with Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance, IRMA, and Resource4Africa.”
Another notable achievement captured in the statement is the Participation in Cornwall Mining and Geothermal Tour. In line with WiM-Africa’s commitment to advance sustainable mining practices and empower women in the industry, the executive director participated in a transformative tour of leading mining and energy facilities in Cornwall, United Kingdom, UK.
The WiM-Africa boss was also recognised as one of WIM100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining for 2024, an honour bestowed by Women in Mining UK, WiMUK, on trailblazers who are making significant contributions to the mining industry, ensuring that it operates in a responsible, sustainable and inclusive manner.”
