Exploring Challenges Faced By Women in Small Scale Mining: A Case Study of Gwanda

Small Scale Mining is a crucial livelihood activity employing more than 13 million workers and sustaining 80-100million people worldwide. The study explored the challenges and opportunities facing women in small scale mining. The objectives of the study were to explore the challenges faced by women in small scale mining and to identify the root cause of the challenges. Where there are challenges opportunities may also exist. This study therefore also identifies opportunities that exist for women in small scale mining in Gwanda district and to make appropriate recommendations. A qualitative approach was adopted in carrying out the study, specifically employing a case study research design. 15 small scale mine owners were conveniently sampled and interviewed using semi-structured face to face interviews. The study noted that women in small scale mining face numerous challenges such as lack of financial capital and high costs associated with mining activities; lack of adequate equipment. The lack of financial capital lack of technical knowledge of mining, lack of administrative skills, legal and administrative constraints can be attributed to traditional customs that restrict women from inheriting and owning resources and generally low levels of education which then limit their opportunities in getting formal jobs. Furthermore due to socio-cultural dynamics women were found to have low knowledge levels when it came to technical aspects of mining. The study concluded that these challenges faced by women mine owners were a result of the following root cause: the gender question whose genesis is the patriarchal nature of Zimbabwean society and the econo-political climate currently in existence in Zimbabw