Women miners group ZASWMA builds regional ties at Botswana WiMBO conference

Women miners group ZASWMA builds regional ties at Botswana WiMBO conference

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The Zimbabwe Artisanal and Small-Scale Women Miners Association (ZASWMA) says it is strengthening its push for women’s empowerment in mining through regional collaboration, including participation in conferences and exchange programmes across Southern Africa.

Women are estimated to make up between 10% and 15% of Zimbabwe’s national mining workforce, and about half of artisanal and small-scale miners, according to figures cited in the association’s latest update.

ZASWMA chairperson Mrs Kundai Chikonzo Midzi said the association attended the Women in Mining Botswana Organisation (WiMBO) Pitso conference in Gaborone on 21 and 22 May 2026 as part of its regional engagement programme.

“May 2026 was a month of regional engagement, learning, networking and advocacy for women miners across Southern Africa. From 21 to 22 May 2026, ZASWMA participated in the WiMBO Pitso conference held in Gaborone, Botswana,” she said.

The conference ran under the theme “Unearthing Excellence: Women Transforming the Mining Value Chain”. Mrs Chikonzo Midzi said the theme complemented ZASWMA’s own 2026 theme: “Strong Women, Sustainable Mining, Stronger Communities.”

“This aligns with our 2026 theme ‘Strong Women, Sustainable Mining, Stronger Communities,’ reflecting our commitment to empowering women and promoting sustainable growth in the mining sector,” she said.

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She said ZASWMA views networking, collaboration and partnerships as essential tools for building long-term gains for women miners, especially in the artisanal and small-scale sector, where access to markets, finance and technical support can be limited.

Mrs Chikonzo Midzi added that the association is also prioritising exchange programmes, saying direct peer-to-peer engagement helps strengthen relationships and opens up opportunities for practical learning and one-on-one interaction.

In Mashonaland Central, where artisanal and small-scale mining is a key source of income in areas including Bindura, Shamva, Mazowe and Guruve, women miners’ participation in regional forums is often seen by local stakeholders as one way to improve visibility, promote safer practices and broaden access to business networks.

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