" Through the ACP-EU Development Minerals Programme, in partnership with UNDP Zambia, women miners are being supported to formalise their activities, form cooperatives, and access skills and technologies that improve livelihoods. By promoting formalisation and practical training, the Programme is enabling women to work more productively, create jobs, and expand opportunities for women in the mining sector across Zambia. "

 

Thelma Nkowani

" The ACP-EU Development Minerals Programme, implemented in partnership with UNDP, is transforming the mining sector by empowering women and youth, creating jobs, and increasing incomes at community level. By linking mineral development to the green economy and the SDGs, the Programme is contributing to Agenda 2030 and supporting the global green transition."

 

James Wakiaga

" Women miners face significant challenges, including gender-based violence, unsafe working conditions, and economic dependence rooted in traditional norms. By supporting women’s economic empowerment through access to equipment, skills training, and the formalization of women-led groups, these interventions help increase production, improve health and safety, reduce violence both at mine sites and at home, and strengthen women’s ability to support their children, families, and communities. "

 

Naomi Nangoku

" Women miners are taking small but practical steps to protect the environment, starting with tree planting around their homes and mine sites and working toward land restoration. Even modest actions, taken consistently, can contribute to addressing environmental damage and the impacts of climate change. "

 

Comfort Okello

" Supporting greener artisanal mining means looking beyond production to consider environmental damage and the risk of contributing to climate change. By building the capacity of artisanal miners to improve how they work, it is possible to reduce environmental impact while continuing to sustain livelihoods within mining communities. "

 

Christopher Musiime Byaruhanga

" Government authorities support environmental compliance by training mining licence applicants and ensuring that Environmental Protection Plans are submitted, approved, and properly implemented. Oversight during licensing and follow-up monitoring help ensure adherence to environmental requirements. "

 

Fadhili Kitivai

" There is a strong need to focus on sustainability, restoration, and capacity building to safeguard future generations. Encouraging mindset change and responsible resource use is essential to ensure that today’s mineral extraction does not compromise the needs of tomorrow. "

 

Elijah Mario