Women, artisanal mining and peacebuilding in Africa

Abstract

This chapter explores dispersed literature across issues relating to women in mining, as well as the role of women in peacebuilding. Artisanal mining can generate peace dividends at the local and national level, and contribute to the economic growth that supports the underlying socio-economic conditions needed for peace. Formalisation would benefit all artisanal miners, and women miners in particular, if done effectively. The laws, policies, and reforms that govern a formalised artisanal and small-scale mining sector should be gender-sensitive, take into account the needs and interests of women, and recognise their vulnerabilities in the sector. In many African societies, traditional cultural norms and practices, which often consider women as subordinate to men, are deeply entrenched. In many post-conflict African countries, women’s land rights have become enshrined in new constitutions and land reforms that do not necessarily ensure equitable and feasible outcomes in terms of equitable access and control of resources.