Given that women make up just 6.8 percent of the mining workforce in Nigeria. Policies that promote gender equality and increase women’s participation in the field is highly important and welcomed by stakeholders. One of such policies is the Africa Mining Vision.
Adopted by the African Union in 2009, the Africa Mining Vision (AMV) is a comprehensive plan designed to make sure that Africa gets the most out of its mining resources. Gender equality is implicitly addressed in the AMV as a critical element of sustainable and equitable development in the mining industry, even though it is not officially outlined in a “plan for women.”
Not only is gender equality in the mining industry morally required, but it is also practically necessary. The productivity, inventiveness, and social effect of the sector can all be greatly increased by the involvement of women. However, in spite of their achievements, women are frequently under-represented and deal with a number of issues, such as prejudice, restricted access to resources, and hazardous working environments.
The AMV stresses the significance of mining activities that are socially responsible. This involves making sure that mining operations don’t cause harm to communities—women in particular—by polluting or uprooting residents. The AMV can foster a more sustainable economy by advocating for a welcoming and equal workplace for female employees. The Vision promotes the creation of regional content for the mining industry. Women may benefit from this by being able to work in support services or mining operations, among other roles. The AMV can contribute to the economic advancement and empowerment of women by supporting the creation of local content.
The AMV is aware of how important it is to develop human capital in the mining industry. This involves giving everyone, regardless of gender, the instruction and training necessary to guarantee they have the abilities required to contribute to the sector in an efficient manner. The AMV can contribute to the dismantling of gender stereotypes and the creation of avenues for women to progress in their careers by making investments in human capital development.
