Women in Mining in Nigeria (WIMIN) and the Bauchi State government have worked out a mechanism to protect women miners and their children at different mining sites, to boost the economic development of women.
President of WIMIN, Janet Adeyemi, at a two-day Policy Dialogue in Bauchi, lamented the excruciating conditions of women at mining sites, including sexual harassment, child abuse and other forms of injustice.
Her words: “The mining sector is one of the key contributors to Nigeria’s economic development. It plays a crucial role in generating revenue and creating job opportunities, particularly for the rural communities. However, the mining sector also presents a range of challenges, particularly with regard to the protection of child rights and the promotion of gender equality.
“This policy dialogue aims to bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, including government officials, civil society organisations, industry representatives and mining communities to discuss and identify policy measures that can promote gender equality and child rights in the mining sector in Bauchi.”
According to him, it is important to recognise that gender inequality and the violation of child rights in the mining sector are not just moral and ethical issues, but also have long-term economic consequences.
“Evidence suggests that gender-inclusive policies and the protection of child rights can improve productivity, reduce absenteeism and enhance the overall competitiveness of mining companies,” she said.
Also, the Commissioner of Justice and Attorney General, Abubakar Abdulhamid, assured the miners of strict implementation of existing laws about women and child protection.
He announced that the Ministry of Justice has desk officers at different local councils of the state where abuses are reported.
