WIMIN Holds 2-Day High-Level Policy Dialogue in Abuja
Press Release
Thursday 13 October, 2022– Women in Mining Nigeria (WIMIN) in collaboration with the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) and the Ford Foundation has concluded its 2-Day National High Level Policy Dialogue scheduled for October 12th and 13th 2022 in Abuja.
The event, which was held in a bid to consolidate all sub-national engagements aimed at mainstreaming gender in the solid mineral sector in Nigeria, drew participation from States where projects have been implemented, including Osun, Edo, Plateau, Ebonyi and Taraba.
The national summit in Abuja was aimed at putting all the deliberations together and taking stock of all the progress made in the various states thus far. The event also sought to chart a way forward for sustainable growth among women in the mining sector in Nigeria.
Present at the event was the Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Sen. Gbemisola Saraki, represented by the Ministry’s Director of Artisanal and Small-scale Mining Department, Patrick Ojeka. In her keynote address, she observed that women play a key role in the development of the mining sector in Nigeria, and the ministry has recognised that fact through its various initiatives geared towards mainstreaming women in the sector.
“We understand that empowering women is more or less empowering communities, so we cannot relent in our support for women in the sector. We will continue to collaborate with Women in Mining Nigeria to also ensure that the salient issues of rights, abuses, and injustices are tackled adequately for a better future for us all”, the minister said.
Also present were representatives from the Legislature, the Ministry of Mines and Steel, State Government representatives, Members of the Private sector, Ministry of Women Affairs, National Human Rights Commision(NHRC), National Environmental Standards Regulatory and Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Miners Association of Nigeria, traditional leaders and representatives of the mining host communities.
In a statement issued by the president of WIMIN, Eng. Janet Adeyemi, she expressed her joy at the rapid growth of the organisation, saying that this activity shall be a veritable platform for women to express their concerns in the mining sector. While adhering to international best practices in mining, Engr. Adeyemi admonished the ministry of Mines and Steel Development to look critically at the concerns of women and build on the successes achieved thus far.
She further expressed optimism that the plight of women will be heard and appropriate actions taken to fully and finally mainstream women for a more prosperous mining future. Engr Janet expressed her profound gratitude and appreciation for the sponsors and all attendees for being instrumental in advancing the course of women in the Nigerian solid mineral sector.
