Women participation in artisanal gold mining: A case of macalder mines, Kenya

Abstract

The aim of the study is to determine women's participation in artisanal gold mining in Macalder mines in Migori County, which is found in Southwestern Kenya. A mixed-method research design was used in the study to collect and analyse both qualitative and quantitative data. Purposive and snowball non-probability sampling methods were used to select the sample size since there is no proper data on the number of women involved in artisanal gold mining. A questionnaire survey and focus group discussions were used to collect data from the respondents. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. The results indicate that 80.8 per cent of the respondents were between 18 and 49 years old. Most of the women working in Macalder gold mines were earning <Kshs 5,000, which was not enough to sustain them. Low remuneration, health risks, cultural bias, domestic responsibilities and sexual harassment were the main challenges that women were facing in the gold mines. The study recommends formulating and implementing policies that recognise and safeguard the interests of women in artisanal gold mining. Women should also be provided with protective gear to reduce the health risks from gold processing.