As 2024 comes to a close, Women in Mining Africa (WiM-Africa) celebrates a year of remarkable achievements, championing women’s empowerment and sustainable practices in Africa’s mining sector.
The organisation made a significant impact through innovative programs, strategic partnerships, and dedicated advocacy, driving inclusive mining practices across the continent.
One of WiM-Africa’s notable milestones this year was its support for Comfort Ezekiel, a young girl from Kogi State, Nigeria, who lost her arm in a mining accident. By fully funding her education, WiM-Africa provided her with a lifeline to rebuild her future, demonstrating its commitment to transforming lives in mining-affected communities through education and opportunity.
WiM-Africa also launched the Voices from the pits (VoC) program, which partnered with 138 organisations across 36 countries to remove children from hazardous mines. This initiative has promoted sustainable livelihoods and enhanced access to education for vulnerable populations.
The organisation further strengthened its influence through partnerships with entities like the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) and Resource4Africa. These collaborations aim to advance responsible mining practices and amplify African leadership in shaping the future of the sector.
In 2024, WiM-Africa advocated for greater representation of women in mining leadership roles and supported artisanal and small-scale miners with funding initiatives to promote sustainable practices.
Executive Director Dr. Comfort Asokoro-Ogaji earned global recognition as one of the WIM100 Inspirational Women in Mining, a testament to her trailblazing leadership. Reflecting on the honour, she attributed WiM-Africa’s successes to the collective efforts of its partners and supporters.
As WiM-Africa looks ahead to 2025, plans are in place to scale up the VoC program, launch mentorship and capacity-building initiatives, and deepen collaborations with key stakeholders.
“Our success lies in our partnerships,” Dr. Asokoro-Ogaji affirmed. “Together, we can create lasting change, promote responsible mining practices, and ensure women play a central role in decision-making processes in the mining sector.”
