News
By Stephen Atone Ngomani
The Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCoZ) has intensified efforts to promote gender-responsive natural resource governance in mining communities through community engagement initiatives aimed at increasing women’s participation in decision-making processes.
This follows a stakeholder engagement meeting held in Ward 1, Zvishavane, as part of the project Promoting Gender-Responsive Natural Resource and Environmental Governance in Zimbabwe’s Extractive Sector.
The project seeks to address barriers that limit women’s participation in the mining industry while promoting accountability and transparency in the management of natural resources.
Speaking during the meeting, WCoZ Chairperson Shumirai Muzenda said women continue to face numerous challenges within mining communities and require greater support from both government institutions and local leadership structures.
“Women play an important role in the extractive sector, yet they remain underrepresented in decision-making spaces and continue to face discrimination and other forms of exclusion. Through this project, we are working to ensure that women have a voice and are actively involved in processes that affect their lives and livelihoods,” said Muzenda.
She said the organisation is working closely with government stakeholders, traditional leaders, local authorities, and community members to strengthen gender equality and improve governance systems within mining communities.
“The concerns raised during our engagements highlight the urgent need for stronger protection mechanisms, increased awareness of women’s rights, and greater collaboration among stakeholders. Sustainable development can only be achieved when women are fully included and empowered,” she said.
Participants at the meeting also emphasised the importance of involving men in discussions around gender equality, noting that meaningful change requires support from all members of the community.
The initiative is expected to contribute towards improved accountability, enhanced community participation, and increased protection of women’s rights in Zimbabwe’s extractive sector.
This follows a stakeholder engagement meeting held in Ward 1, Zvishavane, as part of the project Promoting Gender-Responsive Natural Resource and Environmental Governance in Zimbabwe’s Extractive Sector.
The project seeks to address barriers that limit women’s participation in the mining industry while promoting accountability and transparency in the management of natural resources.
Speaking during the meeting, WCoZ Chairperson Shumirai Muzenda said women continue to face numerous challenges within mining communities and require greater support from both government institutions and local leadership structures.
“Women play an important role in the extractive sector, yet they remain underrepresented in decision-making spaces and continue to face discrimination and other forms of exclusion. Through this project, we are working to ensure that women have a voice and are actively involved in processes that affect their lives and livelihoods,” said Muzenda.
She said the organisation is working closely with government stakeholders, traditional leaders, local authorities, and community members to strengthen gender equality and improve governance systems within mining communities.
“The concerns raised during our engagements highlight the urgent need for stronger protection mechanisms, increased awareness of women’s rights, and greater collaboration among stakeholders. Sustainable development can only be achieved when women are fully included and empowered,” she said.
Participants at the meeting also emphasised the importance of involving men in discussions around gender equality, noting that meaningful change requires support from all members of the community.
The initiative is expected to contribute towards improved accountability, enhanced community participation, and increased protection of women’s rights in Zimbabwe’s extractive sector.
Published
June 11, 2026 at 8:59 AM
