Women’s Rights Network Warns Minerals Bill Falls S...

Women’s Rights Network Warns Minerals Bill Falls Short on Gender, Human Rights

Oscar J. Jeke – ZimNow Reporter

A women’s rights network has raised concerns that the newly gazetted Mines and Minerals Bill, published in the Government Gazette on June 25, falls short of protecting gender equality and human rights, despite including several progressive provisions.

In its analysis, the Rural Women and Small-Scale Miners Network (RYWSN) acknowledged positive steps, such as the inclusion of regional and gender representation on the Mining Affairs Board.

However, it warned that without quotas, fair appointment procedures, or compliance monitoring, these measures could remain “symbolic.”

The group noted that while the Bill supports small-scale mining through systems like the Cadastre, it fails to address structural challenges women face, including lack of collateral, risk of sexual abuse, and limited access to finance.

“The current draft lacks gender-sensitive grants, legal aid, or protections from abuse,” RYWSN stated, adding that neighbouring countries have successfully empowered women miners through revolving funds and micro-credit schemes.

RYWSN also criticised the Bill’s requirement for large mining companies to obtain “social responsibility certificates,” noting that it does not specify how compliance will be enforced.

“Without community involvement, it risks being just a formality,” the group cautioned.

On land rights and compensation, the Bill mandates consultation with communities but does not provide mechanisms for legal aid or support for vulnerable groups.

RYWSN recommended establishing a dedicated legal aid fund for the mining sector and integrating it into existing state frameworks to protect women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

The organisation further highlighted risks in the environmental rehabilitation provisions, which establish an Environmental Protection Fund financed by 0.1% of mineral production. RYWSN warned that in its current form, the fund may not benefit affected communities directly, particularly women and marginalised groups.

It also raised concerns over clauses that limit or reconfigure existing mining rights without clear compensation, potentially harming smallholder miners.

RYWSN urged Parliament to address these gaps to ensure the Bill offers genuine safeguards for gender equality, vulnerable groups, and community rights before it becomes law.