Africa is rich in mineral resources, yet despite substantial investments, the continent continues to face economic challenges. Women, in particular, are the least involved in the extractive industry, receiving minimal economic benefits while bearing the brunt of its adverse effects, including environmental degradation, violence, displacement, and health and safety risks.
The African Mining Vision, adopted by Heads of State in 2009, aims for the “transparent, equitable, and optimal exploitation of mineral resources to underpin broad-based sustainable growth and socio-economic development.” For this vision to become a reality, the involvement of all stakeholders, especially women, is crucial.
To address these challenges, the Association of Women in Mining in Africa (AWIMA) was founded on August 19, 2015, in Nairobi, Kenya, during the African Women Business Linkages Forum organized by the African Union Commission, with Melody Kweba serving as the Founding President. AWIMA unites 42 National Mining Organisations and Associations across five regions in Africa, focusing on training, capacity building, sustainable mining practices, and advocacy to empower women in the extractives sector and enhance their economic participation.
AWIMA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Our Vision
A strong, responsible and more inclusive African mining industry for women
Our Mission
Promote leadership, inclusive and sustainable empowerment of women in the mining sector in Africa.
Through our dedicated efforts, AWIMA strives to create a more inclusive and equitable mining sector where women can lead, innovate, and thrive.
AWIMA aims to enhance women’s roles in the extractive industries by collaborating with governments, national associations, and other stakeholders to advocate for women’s interests and develop capacity-building programs.
Our focus includes promoting the formalisation and strengthening of Women in Mining Associations, conducting comprehensive needs assessments to address challenges, ensuring women have access to financing and credit, and establishing a comprehensive resource center.
AWIMA also advocates for responsible mining practices, aiming to eliminate child labor, violence against women, and environmental degradation.
Watch the video below for a detailed overview of AWIMA’s Strategic Objectives.
Geologist & Independent Mining Consultant
Zenzi Natasha Awases is the founder and Managing Principal Consultant of EmpowerMine Consulting Services. With nearly two decades in the mining and energy sectors, she is a staunch advocate for gender equality and meaningful change. Zenzi is a renowned public speaker known for her leadership insights and dynamic energy.
A geologist by profession, she founded the Women in Mining Association of Namibia and has been recognized as the third most inspirational woman in mining by Mining Global Magazine in 2020. Zenzi is also a recipient of the Most Excellent Order of the Eagle Award, First Class, from Namibian President Hage Geingob, for her outstanding contribution to the country’s development and transformation.
- zenzi@awimaafrica.com
Rosine Atafeinam Abalo holds a Ph.D. in geology and geotechnics from institutions in Togo, Morocco, and France. With experience at a private geotechnical lab and the Directorate of Mining and Geology, she is currently an Investment Officer at Togo Invest. Dr. ABALO played a key role in drafting Togo’s mining code and conducting a comparative study on existing codes.
She also contributed to the review of UEMOA’s mining code and participated in drafting the ECOWAS charter on gender mainstreaming in geo-extractives. Beyond her professional roles, she actively works towards prosperity, freedom, and peace in Africa. As the first Head of the Gender and Advocacy Committee at WIMOWA, she co-founded AFEMET, an association for women in mining or business in Togo.
- rosine@awimaafrica.com
Geologist, Investment Officer & Coach
Rosine Atafeinam Abalo holds a Ph.D. in geology and geotechnics from institutions in Togo, Morocco, and France. With experience at a private geotechnical lab and the Directorate of Mining and Geology, she is currently an Investment Officer at Togo Invest. Dr. ABALO played a key role in drafting Togo’s mining code and conducting a comparative study on existing codes.
She also contributed to the review of UEMOA’s mining code and participated in drafting the ECOWAS charter on gender mainstreaming in geo-extractives. Beyond her professional roles, she actively works towards prosperity, freedom, and peace in Africa. As the first Head of the Gender and Advocacy Committee at WIMOWA, she co-founded AFEMET, an association for women in mining or business in Togo.
- rosine@awimaafrica.com
Mining Engineer & Project Manager
Khaoula Mimid is the President of Women in Mining Morocco. With a background in mining engineering and significant expertise in mining technologies, Khaoula has established herself as a leader in advancing opportunities for women in the industry.
Her proudest accomplishment is founding the national Women in Mining Association in Morocco, a platform committed to empowering women and fostering collaboration across the sector. In addition to her work with Women in Mining Morocco, Khaoula is an accomplished professional managing mining technology projects across the EMEA region. Her experience spans areas such as strategic planning, technical operations, and stakeholder engagement. Khaoula’s work reflects her unwavering commitment to creating a sustainable future for mining in Morocco and beyond.
- khaoula@awimaafrica.com
Janet Febisola Adeyemi is the founder and National President of Women in Mining in Nigeria (WIMIN). She is a trailblazer in advocating for gender inclusion and equality in the mining sector. Janet is a dynamic leader celebrated for her impactful initiatives and strategic vision.
Under her leadership, WIMIN has successfully advocated for the inclusion of women in Nigeria’s mining sector, expanding its reach to 28 of the country’s 36 states. At continental level, she initiated the Gold and Gem Conference to promote trading and expand market opportunities for women in mining. This initiative has since been adopted into the African Minerals Development Centre (AMDC) program, further advancing economic opportunities and collaboration for women across Africa.
- janet@awimaafrica.com
Geologist & Mining Advocate
Janet Febisola Adeyemi is the founder and National President of Women in Mining in Nigeria (WIMIN). She is a trailblazer in advocating for gender inclusion and equality in the mining sector. Janet is a dynamic leader celebrated for her impactful initiatives and strategic vision.
Under her leadership, WIMIN has successfully advocated for the inclusion of women in Nigeria’s mining sector, expanding its reach to 28 of the country’s 36 states. At the continental level, she initiated the Gold and Gem Conference to promote trading and expand market opportunities for women in mining. This initiative has since been adopted into the African Minerals Development Centre (AMDC) program, further advancing economic opportunities and collaboration for women across Africa.
- janet@awimaafrica.com
Environmental Engineer & Mining Advocate
Flore Ire Koumatey is the founder and President of Women in Mining Tchad (AFEMIT) and a Water and Forestry Engineer. She is a passionate advocate for women’s rights and gender equity in the mining and environmental sectors. Flore is a respected leader known for her strategic insights and impactful advocacy.
She represents the Association of Women in Geosciences of Africa (AAWG) in Tchad and is the President and founding member of the Association of Women of the Ministry of the Environment and Water (AFMEE). As Head of Department at the High Council of Autonomous Communities of Chad (HCACT), she has made significant contributions to advancing sustainable development, fostering collaboration, and driving transformation in her field.
- flore@awimaafrica.com
Immaculée Nyiranzirorera is the president of the Rwanda Women in Mining Association (RWIMA). Under her leadership, RWIMA has become a pivotal force in representing and supporting over 14,000 women across Rwanda’s mining sector.
Immaculée has led efforts to enhance gender equality, with a focus on building capacity and providing training and resources for women to thrive in the industry. She is dedicated to overcoming barriers, including limited access to financing and training, to ensure women can contribute meaningfully to the mining sector’s growth. Immaculée’s work has been instrumental in promoting collaboration with the government and other stakeholders to create a more inclusive and sustainable mining industry.
- immaculee@awimaafrica.com
Mining Executive & Women's Advocate
Immaculée Nyiranzirorera is the president of the Rwanda Women in Mining Association (RWIMA). Under her leadership, RWIMA has become a pivotal force in representing and supporting over 14,000 women across Rwanda’s mining sector.
Immaculée has led efforts to enhance gender equality, with a focus on building capacity and providing training and resources for women to thrive in the industry. She is dedicated to overcoming barriers, including limited access to financing and training, to ensure women can contribute meaningfully to the mining sector’s growth. Immaculée’s work has been instrumental in promoting collaboration with the government and other stakeholders to create a more inclusive and sustainable mining industry.
- immaculee@awimaafrica.com
Small-Scale Miner & Program Manager
Kundai Chikonzo Midzi is a registered small-scale gold miner and the first Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Association of Women in Mining Associations (ZAWIMA). With over a decade of experience in the mining industry, Kundai is also the Director and Shareholder of Chete Tee Consults and the General Manager of Hawkline Mine Private Limited.
Her greatest achievement has been leading both male and female artisanal and small-scale miners, advocating for their rights, and fostering collaboration in the mining sector. As the first Chairperson of ZAWIMA, she has been instrumental in creating a unified voice for women in Zimbabwe’s mining industry, driving initiatives to increase their representation and success.
- kundai@awimaafrica.com
AWIMA is governed by a structured and inclusive framework that ensures effective leadership and representation across the continent. Key aspects of our governance include:
- Board of Directors: Composed of elected representatives from each sub-region (Southern, Central, Western, Eastern, and Northern Africa) including positions of President and Vice-President.
- General Assembly: The highest decision-making body, consisting of representatives from national Women in Mining Associations.
- Regional Representatives: Elected by national associations to ensure regional interests and priorities are addressed.
This governance structure allows AWIMA to coordinate its activities effectively, advocate for women’s interests at national, regional, and continental levels, and ensure transparency and accountability within the organisation.
At AWIMA, sustainability ensures we can continue to support and empower women in the extractive industries effectively. Our sustainability strategy focuses on key pillars:
- Diversified Funding Sources: Securing a stable flow of funds through diverse sources, including grants, donations, and partnerships with international organisations, governments, and private sector stakeholders. This reduces financial dependency and ensures long-term stability.
- Capacity Building and Training: Investing in building the skills and capabilities of our members and staff through comprehensive training programs and capacity-building initiatives.
- Strategic Governance: AWIMA’s governance framework includes a Board of Directors with regional representatives, ensuring effective leadership, transparency, and accountability, fostering trust among stakeholders and donors.
- Innovative Programs and Advocacy: Promoting responsible mining practices, eliminate harmful practices, and advocate for policy changes that support sustainable development.
- Member Engagement and Impact Measurement: Engaging members in decision-making and continuously monitor and evaluate our initiatives to demonstrate their effectiveness and impact.
By focusing on these areas, AWIMA ensures resilience and the capacity to drive lasting change in the extractive industries, making a positive impact on the lives of women across Africa.
Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions section. Here, we provide answers to common queries about AWIMA, our initiatives, and how you can get involved in supporting and empowering women in the extractive industries across Africa.
AWIMA supports women through advocacy, capacity-building programs, and collaboration with national and sub-regional associations. We promote the inclusion of women at all levels, develop training programs, and facilitate access to finance and technical expertise.
Membership in AWIMA is open to women involved in the extractive industries across Africa. To become a member, you must be a member of a National Women in Mining Organisation or Association. If your country has a national organisation or association, we will connect you with them. Alternatively, we can support you in setting up a national organisation or association.To join, please visit our “Get Involved” page or the “Members” page and fill out the form.
AWIMA supports a variety of projects aimed at advancing women’s roles in the extractive industries. These include capacity-building programs, advocacy initiatives, research on challenges affecting women in mining, and projects promoting responsible mining practices. For further information, visit the “Projects” page on this website.
You can support AWIMA by becoming a member, partnering with us, or volunteering your time and expertise. Financial contributions and sponsorships are also crucial in helping us achieve our goals. Visit our “Get Involved” page for more information on how you can help.
For more information or to get involved with AWIMA, you can reach out to us via email at info@awimaafrica.com. We are always looking for passionate individuals and organisations to join us in our mission to empower women in the extractive industries.
