Coalition adopts gender sensitive strategies to improve transparency and accountability in the extractive sector
Compiled by Batanai Mutasa
Publish What You Pay (PWYP) Coalition members in Zimbabwe are taking gender sensitive approaches in their call for extractive sector revenues to form the basis for development and improve the lives of ordinary citizens in the country.
PWYP undertakes public campaigns and policy advocacy to achieve disclosure of information about extractive industry revenues and contracts. The coalition calls for the disclosure of payments by extractive companies to the government of each country in which they operate, revenues earned by governments from the oil, gas and mining sectors, licencing arrangements and extractive industry contracts and other information critical to monitoring the deals made between extractive companies and governments.
“We, however, noted that to meaningfully improve the lives of ordinary citizens in Zimbabwe, disclosure needs to be supported by empowering women, who are most affected by irresponsible mining practices. So, our advocacy efforts are buttressed by approaches that promote women empowerment and in that regard the protection of children’s rights as their wellbeing is one of the biggest pain points for women,” said PWYP Zimbabwe Coordinator, Joyce Machiri.
“Therefore, PWYP Zimbabwe is working to raise awareness about the role of women in the extractive sector and to challenge traditional gender norms that often limit their opportunities,” she added.
A 2024 Zimbabwe School of Mines (ZSM) report highlights the importance of incorporating gender inclusivity within different extractive environments by highlighting women’s struggles and contributions. The school of mines says acknowledging the distinct experiences and requirements of women in these industries is essential for tackling gender-based discrimination and promoting inclusivity and identifies key steps to cultivate a more diverse and inclusive extractives sector which include supporting women-owned businesses, creating mentorship programs, and encouraging women’s involvement in leadership roles.
On the side lines of a PWYP Zimbabwe coalition 2024 annual general meeting, members said they advocate for women’s empowerment though various strategies including promoting their participation and leadership in decision-making processes related to resource governance and building their financial literacy.
Zivai Community Empowerment Trust (ZICET) director Mildret Muzanechita said her organization works with approximately 500 in Mutasa and Mutare rural districts to ensure that they have a voice in decision making processes to address the unique challenges faced by women in these communities which are impacted by mining activities.
Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Workers Union (ZIDAWU) president Cosmas Sunguro said his organization had a wing that was dedicated to women empowerment known as the ZIDAWU Women’s Forum which was leading various efforts such as internal savings and lending programs, goat pass on schemes as well as community engagement and sensitization workshops to create an inclusive environment where women can thrive and contribute to sustainable development.
“Our influence is growing through such efforts. For example, last year in October (2023) we held the international rural women’s day commemorations in Arda Transau and attracted more than 1200 women at once. These commemorations were done in partnership with government ministries including the Ministry of Women Affairs and the Ministry of Education,” said Sunguro.
As such, the coalition emphasizes the importance of gender-responsive policies that consider the social, economic, and environmental impacts of extractive industries on women. This includes advocating for policies that protect women’s rights, promote equitable access to resources, and ensure that benefits from extractive projects contribute to community development. Additionally, this extends to protecting child rights and reducing the impact of obstacles to their development to strengthen women’s empowerment.
A 2023 World Bank brief states that empowerment happens by removing constraints that impede women’s and girls’ ability to determine and realize their goals. This includes creating an enabling environment for equitable decision-making, including institutions and social arrangements. One element of an enabling environment foe women would be the well being of children.
Said Machiri: “When children’s rights are upheld, it often leads to better educational and health outcomes for both children and their mothers. For example, when children have access to quality education and healthcare, it alleviates some of the burdens on women, allowing them to pursue their own goals and contribute more fully to society.”
“Furthermore, addressing obstacles to children’s development—such as poverty, lack of access to education, or health issues—can also empower women. By reducing these barriers, women can have more opportunities to thrive, whether through increased participation in the workforce or better decision-making power within their families and communities.”
Josphat Makaza of the Chiadzwa Community Development Trust (CCDT) said in 2021 CCDT, in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Environmental Law association (ZELA), carried out research to establish the extent to which mining affects environmental child rights, and the study showed that various children’s rights were violated by mining.
“Through that research, we noticed that children are more vulnerable than older people whilst we are concerned by the rights of adults, and this means our children are at more risk (from extractive activities). That is when we made the decision to form the Chiadzwa Youth Network to respond to the environmental child rights that were being affected,” he explained.
Marange Development Trust (MDT) chairperson Malvern Mudiwa said school going children were affected, especially by illegal mining activities which attracted them because of poverty. To address this, Mudiwa said MDT joined forces with other Community Based Organisations (CBOs), traditional leaders and community members to engage mining companies to invest in projects for children to try and keep them in school.
By integrating gender perspectives into their advocacy efforts, PWYP is not only enhancing transparency and accountability in the extractive sector but also fostering a more just and equitable society where everyone can benefit from the country’s natural resources.