The mining sector has long been considered a male-dominated domain and characterised by a significant underrepresentation of women, emphasising the importance of promoting gender equality and diversity within the sector.

Comprising both mining and quarrying operations, the mining sector in Rwanda employs a total of 57,379 workers, according to the Labor Force Survey by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) published in March 2021. However, the workforce distribution reveals a gender disparity, with only 11.4 per cent being women and the vast majority (88.6 per cent) comprising men.

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Nevertheless, progress has been made, particularly within different mining cooperatives, resulting from a shift in the sector’s culture and policies.

One exemplary instance of such progress is witnessed in KOMIKAGI, a cooperative engaged in the mining of coltan and cassiterite minerals located in the Ruli sector, Gakenke District.

With support from UN Women through the four-year project entitled "Fostering women and girls’ dignified lives through GBV prevention, response and women’s economic autonomy”, financially supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and in collaboration with Rwanda Extractive Industry Workers Union (REWU), the cooperative has taken proactive steps to establish a gender policy to foster equality and diversity within its operations. A particular focus was put on facilitating the inclusion of more women in their work.

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According to Sildio Dusabamahoro, Executive Secretary of KOMIKAGI, the cooperative currently employs 1458 workers. Among them, approximately 11.5 per cent are women, marking a significant increase from 2021.

Dusabamahoro acknowledged UN Women`s support in raising awareness on the capability of women in mining work, explaining that the organisation played a crucial role in developing a gender policy for the cooperative’s operations.

Following the awareness raising, today, the number of women employed within the cooperative has increased from 49 to 167.

"As part of our adopted strategies, we designated women as team leaders at the mining sites, particularly as site managers. This decision was aimed at making it easier for them to attract more women to also pursue careers in the mining sector. The initiative has been successful, and we now aspire to achieve a 21 per cent representation of women by 2025.” explained Dusabamahoro.

"To support women in their roles, we have established facilities such as childcare spaces and separate changing rooms for women. These measures have helped women recognise the mining sector as a progressive and gender-sensitive environment that also comes with significant socio-economic opportunities on par with other professions.” ALSO READ: There is a lot of opportunity in the mining sector, let us mine it

Dusabamahoro expressed that UN Women also assisted KOMIKAGI in formulating policies aimed at addressing gender-based violence (GBV) and sexual harassment within their workplace.

"We now have a clearly defined policy that outlines prohibited behaviors in the workplace, along with procedures for reporting cases of gender-based violence or sexual harassment," he explained.

Dusabamahoro further highlighted that the cooperative conducts regular training sessions for its staff every six months to enhance awareness regarding sexual harassment, and GBV prevention and response.

In the event of an incident at work, employees are encouraged to report it to the cooperative`s leadership for further action, and if the reported incident occurs outside of work, the affected individuals can file a report with the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) with the support of the cooperative.

"We had one case of sexual harassment, and the individual responsible was terminated from employment following our internal investigation," Dusabamahoro added.

Upon arrival at the cooperative's mining sites, one notices that there are separate changing and restrooms for both women and men, with those for women including menstrual hygiene kits. Dusabamahoro emphasised that the increased participation of women in KOMIKAGI has positively impacted the cooperative’s productivity, with a diverse workforce contributing various skills and expertise.

To reach the 21 per cent target, he explained that the cooperative is establishing MTN posts at each mining site, adding that women will be involved in these posts, assisting in tallying workers and facilitating salary disbursements through mobile money.

Additionally, the cooperative aims to construct an Early Childhood Development (ECD) centre to provide a supportive environment for women with infants, allowing them to focus on their work without concern.

He urged women to consider joining the mining career path, emphasising the financial rewards and learning opportunities it offers.

Francine Niyigena, a genealogist at KOMIKAGI, operates a machine in the laboratory that assesses the quantity of minerals in a given sample. She joined the cooperative following an awareness-raising campaign by UN Women.

She said that women in the cooperative are thriving, with an increasing number joining their ranks, adding that the profession has not only allowed her to thrive personally but also to provide substantial support to her siblings.

"The cooperative ensures my well-being because they offer me all the rights of a staff member. I encourage all women to love their work and approach it with confidence. We should not shy away from any job; instead, we should pursue it passionately,” she said.

Niyigena plans to maintain her high-performance approach and become an expert miner, serving as a role model for young girls in the mining sector.

Just like Niyigena, Marie Solange Niyomukiza, responsible for overseeing workers at the site, also joined KOMIKAGI following the awareness campaign conducted by UN Women.

She highlighted the cooperative’s commitment to addressing challenges faced by women and providing support to individuals based on their needs, ensuring gender equity in the workplace.

She added, "I’ve started a poultry farming business, and the investment originated from this job. It is thriving every day. I call upon all girls to consider joining this profession and striving for development.”

Xaverine Ingabire, employed at one of KOMIKAGI’s mining sites, described her responsibilities which include distributing equipment, ensuring hygiene, and assisting fellow workers. She has now been dedicated to the role for one and a half years.

She noted an increasing number of women entering the profession, driven by a sense of ownership and the belief that it can lead to further success and development.

"This is my source of income, providing for my family’s basic needs. Working for this cooperative ensures we are not in poverty. It cares for us and addresses our problems.” she stated.

KOMIKAGI fervently continues its journey not only to enhance the representation of women in the mining sector) but also to ensure their protection.