Gender and Mining
Gender and Mining
HakiMadini’s Gender and Mining Program is a core part of our mission to create inclusive, just, and equitable mining communities in Tanzania. The program is specifically designed to address the often-overlooked challenges that women and children face in mining environments—spaces historically dominated by men and structured in ways that marginalize vulnerable groups.
We work to empower women to enter and thrive in the mining sector by supporting them in overcoming structural, cultural, and economic barriers. Through continuous engagement and advocacy, we encourage women to claim their space in the industry—whether as small-scale miners, entrepreneurs, service providers, or community leaders. Despite the challenges, we believe women have the potential to drive meaningful change in the extractive industry.
A central focus of the program is to promote equal access to business finance, so that women can establish and expand income-generating activities on a level playing field with men. We also campaign against mining investments and operations that do not comply with Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC), ensuring that all community members especially women are involved in decisions that affect their land, livelihoods, and futures.
The program offers leadership training, mentorship, and skills development opportunities to equip women with the knowledge and confidence to participate in mining governance and community decision-making. We actively support the creation of community structures that work to eliminate gender-based discrimination, harassment, and violence, while promoting safe, hygienic, and dignified working conditions for women employed in and around mining sites.
For children living near mining operations, our efforts are equally comprehensive. We advocate for their right to a safe and healthy environment, free from sexual and economic exploitation. Our program pushes for improved access to education, healthcare, and social protection services, while also addressing environmental hazards such as exposure to toxic waste and pollution. We engage families, local leaders, schools, and mining stakeholders to ensure children’s rights to inheritance, shelter, and secure livelihoods are recognized and protected.
Through this program, HakiMadini is building a future where women and children in mining communities are no longer marginalized but are instead active participants and beneficiaries of Tanzania’s mineral wealth empowered, protected, and given the tools to shape their own destinies.