From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
Women in Mining Africa, WiM Africa, through its implementing partner Richflood Foundation has officially launched its groundbreaking “NextGen Women in Mining” Initiative aimed at empowering young women across Africa to pursue careers in the mining industry.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Executive Director of WiM Africa, Dr. Comfort Asokoro- Ogaji, in Abuja.
According to the statement Dr. Asokoro-Ogaji, explained that the transformative program was aimed at building capacity, address gender disparities, and provide financial incentives for female students pursuing mining-related courses in universities and polytechnics.
“The initiative was successfully launched with an initial pilot in Northern Nigeria, where over two hundred and fifty applications were received from female students between the age 18-25, studying mining-related disciplines. After a rigorous selection process, one hundred young women were shortlisted and received incentivized grant of twenty five thousand naira each.
“The recipients are students from institutions such as Federal University Lokoja, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, and universities in Zamfara, Sokoto, and Niger states, among others” she added.
The statement adds that these young women face challenges such as insecurity, limited accessibility to resources, gender biases and are marginalized in their communities in the northern part of the country.
“Despite these obstacles, they have shown incredible determination to pursue their dreams in traditionally male-dominated fields like Geology, Geophysics, Mining Engineering, Metallurgy & Materials Engineering, Industrial Chemistry and other related Geoscience courses” Dr. Asokoro-Ogaji emphasizes.
It notes that despite all odds, these women have chosen to break barriers and pursue their passion for mining
“The stories of these young women are both touching and inspiring. Despite the odds, they have chosen to break barriers and pursue their passion for mining. Our goal is to continue supporting them, not just financially but also through mentorship and capacity building, to help them become leaders in the industry.” she states.
According to the statement, one of the beneficiaries, Ashfat Abbas, a Geology student from the University of Jos, recounts how she had initially wanted to study Medicine and Surgery and was told that Geology is for men but refused to let societal norms deter her.
“I am deeply grateful to WiM Africa for this opportunity and platform,” she said.
The statement adds that many beneficiaries expresses gratitude to WiM Africa and its implementing partner in Nigeria for their unwavering support and commitment to fostering a more inclusive mining sector.
It stresses that following the success in Northern Nigeria, WiM-Africa is expanding the “NextGen Women in Mining” Initiative to East Africa adding that applications are now open for female students from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda who are studying mining-related courses.
“The “NextGen Women in Mining” Initiative is designed to Provide financial support to young women studying mining-related courses across Africa, Offer mentorship and career guidance to help them overcome challenges and build successful careers, Address gender disparities in the mining sector and create a strong network of future female leaders in mining who will drive innovation and sustainability”