Digging Deep Dialogue 26: Women in Mining Nigeria

Digging Deep (DD) begins its journey of learning more about women in mining in different countries across Africa. We start off in Nigeria, spending time with Engineer Janet Adeyemi (JA), President and Founder of Women in Mining Nigeria . Her leadership, charisma and drive to effect change in Nigeria's mining industry is admirable. Our discussions touches on her personal and professional journey, the value derived from starting Women in Mining Nigeria, some of the challenges faced by women in Nigeria and what they are doing about it and we cap off with what kind of help and support they are hoping for to advance their work. Let's dig deeper and learn more from Janet.

DD: Welcome to the Digging Deep Dialogue Janet. It’s a pleasure and honor to have you with us. Can you tell us more about yourself and your role as Founder of Women in Mining Nigeria??

JA: I’m Engr. Hon. Janet Febisola Adeyemi with diverse educational background propelled by my hunger for knowledge, determination to overcome the various biases to gain a seat at the table and ensure that I keep abreast of the constant evolution of concepts in engineering, environment and mining. My education spans through sciences and law with degrees and numerous certificates in innovative courses and trainings courtesy of the knowledge age. Likewise, I have worked in different sectors from public to private, also served as a member of Nigeria Parliament and in various executive portfolios and currently more focused in the developmental sector as the founder of Women in Mining in Nigeria, where I oversee the promotion and active inclusion of women especially young women in the extractive sector. The journey had not been smooth because of the dearth of mining in Nigeria ,since oil became the dominant sector (monolithic) economy focused on. Nigeria is making all efforts to diversify its economy now.

DD: Looking back to the journey from 18 years ago, what value has been derived from founding Women in Mining Association in Nigeria?

JA: The value of founding a Women in Mining Association in Nigeria. Here are some reasons why:

• Encouraging Diversity and Inclusion: A Women in Mining Association can help to promote diversity and inclusion in the mining industry by providing a platform for women to network, share experiences, and support each other. This can help to break down the gender stereotypes and biases that often exist in male-dominated industries.
• Raising Awareness: By creating a Women in Mining Association, it can help to raise awareness about the role of women in the mining industry and their potential contributions. This can help to challenge the traditional notion that mining is a man's job and encourage more women to consider careers in the industry.

• Advancing Gender Equality: Through advocacy and lobbying efforts, a Women in Mining Association can work towards advancing gender equality in the mining industry by pushing for policies and practices that support women's participation and advancement. This can include things like equal pay, flexible work arrangements, and family-friendly policies.
• Building Skills and Expertise: A Women in Mining Association can also provide training, mentorship, and other opportunities for professional development. By building skills and expertise, women can become more competitive in the industry and contribute to the growth and success of the sector.
• Promoting innovative ideas constantly emanating in mining and sharing with the women
• Promoting safety policies

Overall, founding a Women in Mining Association in a male-dominated country rich in petroleum can help to promote gender diversity and inclusion, raise awareness about the important role of women in the industry, and work towards advancing gender equality.

DD: What are some of the challenges that face Nigerian women in mining?

JA: Nigeria's mining sector is male-dominated, and women face significant challenges in accessing opportunities and participating in the industry. Some of the challenges that Nigerian women face in mining include:

Including displacement, loss of livelihoods, and environmental degradation.

Additionally, women are often excluded from decision-making processes related to extractive industries, limiting their ability to voice concerns and influence policy.

Limited access to finance: Women in Nigeria often face challenges in accessing finance and capital to start and sustain their mining businesses. Many financial institutions and lenders are often reluctant to provide funding to women, citing a lack of collateral, experience, and track record.

Lack of access to mining rights and licenses: Nigerian women often face challenges in obtaining mining licenses and permits due to complex and bureaucratic procedures, lack of information, and corruption.

Limited representation and participation: Women are often excluded from decision-making processes and leadership positions in the mining sector, limiting their participation and representation in the industry.

Occupational health and safety risks: Women miners are often exposed to occupational health and safety risks due to their work in hazardous environments, such as exposure to toxic chemicals, accidents, and violence.

Cultural and societal barriers: Women in Nigeria face cultural and societal barriers that discourage their participation in male-dominated sectors such as mining. These barriers include stereotypes, discrimination, and traditional gender roles.

Lack of training and education: Women in Nigeria often lack the necessary skills, training, and education to participate effectively in the mining sector, limiting their opportunities and competitiveness.

Emotional trauma: women suffer emotional trauma which sometimes affect their mental health as a result of these impacts directly or indirectly.

DD: How do you ensure that the challenges facing women in mining receive adequate attention?

JA: Women in Mining (WIM) Nigeria has aligned with regional, continental, and international similar organizations that advocate for gender diversity and inclusion in the mining industry. WIM works to ensure that the concerns of women in mining are addressed by government in several ways:

• Lobbying: WIM lobbies governments to advocate for policies and programs that promote gender diversity and inclusion in the mining industry. This includes advocating for equal pay, improved working conditions, and increased opportunities for women in mining.
• Partnerships: WIM partners with government agencies, mining companies, and other organizations to collaborate on initiatives that support women in mining. These partnerships help ensure that the concerns of women in mining are addressed at all levels.

• Research and data collection: WIM conducts research and collects data on the experiences of women in mining, including their concerns and challenges. This information is used to inform government policy and decision-making.
• Advocacy and awareness-raising: WIM raises awareness about the concerns of women in mining through advocacy and outreach efforts. This includes speaking at conferences and events, engaging with the media, and using social media to promote their cause.

By using these methods, Women in Mining works to ensure that the concerns of women in mining are addressed by the government, and that policies and programs are put in place to support gender diversity and inclusion in the mining industry.

DD: In closing, what support? do the organizations receive from the federal or state?governments and what kind of help are you hoping for to advance your efforts at the Women in Mining Association in Nigeria??

JA: Enacting policies and laws by the Nigerian government should ensure that the mining law is amended to promote inclusion and diversity. Here is the help we are hoping for to advance efforts at the Women in Mining Association in Nigeria:

• Regular gender audit through regular monitoring and evaluation and heavy sanctions for defaulters.
• Creating a special fund: The government should create a special fund to support women in mining. Women in Mining Fund to provide access to finance for women miners.

• Training and capacity building: The government should support training and capacity building programs for women in mining.
• The Federal Government should collaborate with WIM to create mines to market linkages where women dominate gemstone and value additive businesses.
• Make regulations that encourage companies to employ more women.
• Promote women in leadership positions.
• Providing equipment and infrastructure: The government to create opportunities for providing equipment and infrastructure to support women in mining.

We are open to partnership for funding. Exchange visits, scholarships etc to promote inclusion of more girls in the sector.

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