Zimbabwe Association of Women in Mining Associations

06/05/2026

Our latest research report: Women Empowerment in ASM through Responsible Large-Scale Mining Investments presents evidence from across five key mining districts which are Bindura, Bubi, Chegutu, Gwanda and Zvishavane, examining how large-scale mining (LSM) operations are engaging artisanal and small-scale miners (ASM), and what this means for women’s economic empowerment in Zimbabwe’s gold sector.

At a time when Zimbabwe is advancing National Development Strategy 2, this research provides timely, field-based insights into how responsible investment can move beyond compliance to become a catalyst for inclusive growth, formalisation and sustainable livelihoods for women in mining.

While LSM–ASM engagements hold significant potential to unlock economic opportunities for women, current models remain uneven, often limiting women’s participation to the margins of value chains. Access to resources, markets, decision-making spaces, and structured partnerships continues to shape the depth and sustainability of women’s empowerment.

Importantly, the study also surfaces a critical and often overlooked gap, the near absence of women with disabilities in both participation and data. This signals deeper structural barriers within mining systems and calls for more deliberate, inclusive investment approaches that recognise intersecting vulnerabilities and ensure no woman is left behind.

We invite policymakers, industry leaders, investors and development partners to engage with this evidence and reimagine LSM–ASM partnerships that are inclusive, equitable and transformative.

Women in ASM are economic actors, community anchors and key drivers of Zimbabwe’s mining future.

🔗 Access the full report and join the conversation on advancing responsible, inclusive mining investments.

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/zimbabwe-association-of-women-in-mining-associations_women-empowerment-in-asm-through-large-scale-activity-7457798892835749888-HtTQ?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios&rcm=ACoAACGShnUB0593AS2N70-IGuBssbCfS_L1YHE

Our latest research report: Women Empowerment in ASM through Responsible Large-Scale Mining Investments presents evidence from across five key mining districts which are Bindura, Bubi, Chegutu, Gwanda and Zvishavane, examining how large-scale mining (LSM) operations are engaging artisanal and small-...

30/04/2026

We are proud to announce the launch of the ZAWIMA website alongside the release of our latest research report: Women Empowerment in ASM through Responsible Investments.

This report presents the findings of a field-based study conducted across Banket, Bindura, Bubi and Zvishavane. Grounded in conversations with women miners, associations, cooperatives, public institutions and key stakeholders, the research offers a deeper look into what meaningful empowerment in artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) truly entails.

At its core, the study challenges the notion that women’s empowerment is simply a welfare outcome. Instead, it positions empowerment as a dynamic economic, institutional and social process, shaped by access to productive resources, market opportunities, organisational support and inclusive governance systems.

The findings highlight how responsible investment, spanning financial, technical, institutional and relational support, can play a transformative role. When designed and implemented effectively, it strengthens women’s earnings, supports enterprise growth, expands leadership and decision-making power, and enables the transition from vulnerable participation to more viable, formalised mining operations.

This moment marks more than just a digital milestone for us. Our website is a growing platform to amplify women’s voices in mining, share knowledge and strengthen connections across the sector.

We invite you to explore our work, engage with the research and be part of a collective effort to advance responsible, inclusive and sustainable mining in Zimbabwe.

Visit us at: https://zawima.org/

You can find the report here:
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/zimbabwe-association-of-women-in-mining-associations_women-empowerment-in-asm-through-responsible-activity-7455622831574319104-2pJd?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios&rcm=ACoAACGShnUB0593AS2N70-IGuBssbCfS_L1YHE

We are proud to announce the launch of the ZAWIMA website alongside the release of our latest research report: Women Empowerment in ASM through Responsible Investments. This report presents the findings of a field-based study conducted across Banket, Bindura, Bubi and Zvishavane. Grounded in convers...

07/04/2026

ZAWIMA is proud to announce that our board member, Chipo Salome Makombe - Muzulu represented the association at the recently Southern Africa Gender Justice Platform, convened under the theme "Confronting GBV at the Intersections of Economic and Climate Justice."

The Platform created a deliberate regional space for dialogue and collective action, recognising that GBV in the SADC region is driven by deep structural inequalities which include unequal power relations, economic marginalisation, harmful social norms and increasing socio-economic pressures, now compounded by climate change.

Chipo participated in the panel discussion
"Unpacking the Intersections - GBV, Economic Inequality, Climate Vulnerability, and Youth Exclusion", examining how economic injustice, climate shocks and social norms drive vulnerability to GBV. She joined a diverse set of voices including the Zambia Alliance of Women (ZAW), youth representatives among others.

🟠 Why ZAWIMA's participation at this platform matters:
The extractive sector is seeing a rise in GBV cases, and women in artisanal and small-scale mining are particularly vulnerable. Economic exclusion limits their alternatives, financial dependence can trap survivors in abusive environments and climate-induced displacement and resource conflicts heighten tensions in mining communities.

Having a seat at this regional table means ZAWIMA can ensure that the experiences of women miners, their risks, resilience and solutions, are part of the regional agenda on gender justice, economic justice and climate justice.

This Platform builds on work started three years ago by the Southern Africa Trust to broaden GBV conversations beyond civil society, to include state actors, traditional and religious leaders. ZAWIMA is committed to play its part as an association of women in ASM, because ending GBV in mining requires all stakeholders.

We stand for safe mines, economic inclusion and the full participation of women and young people in decisions that affect their lives.

25/03/2026

ZAWIMA Patron Blessing Hungwe, has encouraged young women to take up roles in the mining sector as entrepreneurs and suppliers, not only as employees.

Speaking at a public lecture co-hosted by the Women’s University in Africa and the Zimbabwe School of Mines, she highlighted the importance of increasing women’s participation in supplying goods and services within the industry.

ZAWIMA continues to advocate for expanded opportunities for women through policy influence and increased access to procurement in the mining sector.
Mining Zimbabwe

🔗 Read more: https://lnkd.in/dHBWdeK8

21/03/2026

Towards formalisation of the ASM sector

During an engagement with Fidelity Gold Refinery held this week in Harare, the institution’s Public Relations Manager stated that they aim to strengthen collaboration with rtisanal and small-scale miners (ASMs).

The country’s gold buyer says strategies have been implemented to increase gold deliveries and to ensure women have safe access to services, thereby promoting responsible sourcing.

🟠 In their efforts to formalise ASM, Fidelity Gold Refinery issued Gold Cards to women miners at the event. These cards serve as a new identification system and the initiative is intended to support artisanal and small-scale miners in Zimbabwe. The card also facilitates easier access to gold buying centres and will enhance efficient transactions.

20/03/2026

Save the date📆
Don’t miss out on this important discussion on Women and the Mining Sector!

20/03/2026

Zimbabwean women miners in Makaha are ready to produce gold—but they need government support. Over 30 mining syndicates await technical assistance, training, and formalisation to turn land allocations into productive mines.

Full story link in comments>>>

20/03/2026

This week we had an engagement with women miners on “The Role of Women in Responsible Sourcing: Strengthening Support Mechanisms for Women in ASM.”

The Deputy Minister of Mines and Mining Development Eng. Fred Moyo who graced the event, emphasised that environmental compliance and sustainable mining practices are essential.

He highlighted that vulnerable groups, particularly women, must be prioritised in the sector’s transformation, ensuring they are meaningfully empowered.

He urged women in mining to collaborate with stakeholders to achieve sustainable mining.
This call for collaboration speaks to the heart of responsible sourcing, where miners, government and institutions work together to build a compliant, transparent and thriving sector.

The Deputy Minister also underscored the importance of:
🟠 Operating legally and within regulatory frameworks
🟠 Strengthening capacity through refresher training programmes
🟠 Partnering with institutions like the Environmental Management Agency to promote responsible environmental practices

For many women miners, these policy statements are pathways to growth, formalisation and participation in global mineral markets.

As ZAWIMA, we believe that when women are get access to such high level platforms where they are equipped, informed and supported, they become leaders in responsible sourcing and sustainable mining.