BY METHEMBE SIBANDA
THE Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Minerals Workers Union (ZDAMWU) has called for a conducive environment for women in the mining sector following reports of harassment.
Earlier this year, women organisations urged the government to come up with mechanisms to reduce gender-based violence at mining sites.
Speaking to NewsDay, ZDAMWU secretary-general Justice Chinhema said they were coming up with a gender policy next month which sought to protect women from abuse.
“As a union we are campaigning for the ratification of International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conversation 190 that speaks against violence and harassment in the world of work.
“We want to see this domesticated, and we shall push through the works councils to have the same adopted at the company level. By adopting the ILO convention and policies, at company level, we shall have protected our female members,” Chinhema said.
“ZDAMWU is at a final stage of coming up with a gender policy which will be adopted by our national executive committee in September,” he added.
He said female miners were a key player in achieving a US$12 billion mining economy.
“We will not realise the US$12 billion mining economy if we do not create a conducive environment for women to thrive in the mining sector. It is a common fact that female mine workers face challenges that include sexual harassment, victimisation and segregation. While others might speak out, the majority suffer in silence,” Chinhema said.
He also noted that ZDAMWU was advocating for free pads at mines and ablution facilities suitable for women. Last year, Women’s groups — Women and Law in Southern Africa, Zimbabwe Women’s Microfinance Bank, Zimbabwe Women Resource Centre Network and the Zimbabwe Women in Mining Association — called for protection of women as they conduct mining business.
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