From Abel Leonard, Lafia
In a significant stride towards empowering women in Nasarawa State, the Women in Mining in Nigeria (WIMIN) recently concluded a three-day training program aimed at equipping women with the skills necessary to actively participate in the mining sector and related economic ventures.
The event, held in collaboration with the Ford Foundation and supported by the Nasarawa State Ministry of Women Affairs, focused on enhancing the value chain of gemstones and promoting economic independence for vulnerable women in the state.
The training program introduced participants to a wide range of skills, including gemstone faceting, polishing, and sorting, as well as salt making and other vital mining processes. These skills are expected to not only improve their income-generating opportunities but also promote local production and value addition within the state’s mining sector.
Speaking during the three day training workshop, with journalists in Lafia, the President of the Association, Dr. Engr Janet Adeyemi stated that the program was especially targeted at victims and survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), many of whom had been economically disempowered.
With the reopening of a shelter for these women, WIMIN, through its partnership with Ford Foundation and the Nasarawa state ministry of women affairs and social development, is providing not just a refuge, but opportunities for economic recovery. Many women have already benefitted from this initiative by learning new skills that are vital to the mining industry.
“The re-opening of the shelter for victims and survivors of SGBV in Nasarawa is not just a physical space. It symbolizes a safe haven where women can rebuild their lives through economic empowerment and gain independence,” she said.
Dr. Janet highlighted the transformative efforts of the organization in empowering women across the country. Dr. Janet, a staunch advocate for gender equality and economic empowerment, emphasized the significance of including women in Nigeria’s mining sector, which has historically been male-dominated.
She noted that WIMIN’s recent activities in Nasarawa State, in partnership with the Ford Foundation, are a clear demonstration of the organization’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and providing opportunities for women to excel.
