THE extractive industry has the capacity to sustain the country's economic development and generate employment. However, the role of women in mining is not appreciated as they often experience numerous hurdles than their male counterparts. Despite these challenges, women now constitute approximately 50% of miners, particularly in small-scale mining. NewsDay (ND) reporter Thomas Chidamba spoke to Mthandazo Women Miners Trust founder and national chairperson Sithembile Ndlovu (SN) on issues relating to women’s participation in mining. ND: What is the state of women in mining so far? SN: The mining industry is growing with women as well, but the only challenge we face is lack of claims. Most women miners are on tribute areas with no guarantee of ownership. They only have verbal agreements. However, we are grateful that we have the supporting hand of non-governmental organisations that are currently boosting women rights and encouraging them to venture into mining. ND: In terms of percentages, how big is the involvement of women in mining? SN: Women now have a fair share of participants in mining, which used to be a male-dominated sector. According to recent statistics, women now constitute approximately 50% of small-scale miners in Zimbabwe and within this 50%, only 5% are young women. ND: How is your organisation dealing with gender inequality in mining? SN: We are dealing with gender inequality by giving training to our members on how to handle situations and which protocols to observe. We come together as an association to empower each other, share ideas and also create a networking platform. As an association, we encourage those involved in mining to ensure that their activities respect the rights of women, promote women’s empowerment and participation in decision-making processes. We organise meetings and workshops for women in mining and impart them knowledge which can help them avoid the potential negative impacts of mining. We also promote gender equality and women’s empowerment. We also help in developing gender risk awareness strategies to ensure that ongoing decision-making and other activities incorporate gender perspectives. We aim to empower women by giving them a voice to women’s perspectives, needs, interests and help to address the power imbalance between the proponents of mining projects. ND: Most women are in small-scale and artisanal mining, are there any programmes that you are doing to encourage women to venture into mainstream or formal mining? SN: We are encouraging women to venture into the mainstream mining sector by helping them receive training from reputable mining institutions such as the School of Mines in Bulawayo. We assist them to get formal education so that they shift from general knowledge of mining to a more precautious approach in health and safety and so on. We believe that with education and specialised training, women can overcome existing gender gaps, stereotypes and prejudices that limit women’s opportunities. In preparation for formal mining, we are trying to accrue claims fo