Women in Mining Nigeria, a women’s rights organization in the solid minerals industry, has launched a two-day policy conversation series in Lokoja, the Kogi state capital.
The event themed, “Safeguarding the Rights of Women and Children in the Solid Minerals Sector” sought to establish synergies and partnerships to defend the rights of women and children in the state’s mining industry.
According to Engr Janet Adeyemi, President and Founder of Women in Mining Nigeria, the event has brought together some of the leading experts in the mining industry to discuss ways to improve the situation for women and children in the industry.
She said, “We are grateful to OSF for the support, and other bodies like the NHRC, which have seen the need to partner us to provide shield and succour to the most vulnerable groups in the mining sector.
“Kogi is blessed with enormous mineral resources, including coal, gemstones and iron ore. Everywhere you turn, you find women subjected to all manners of hard labour in mining sites and not accorded the requisite remuneration and recognition. In many cases, they are physically, mentally and sexually abused. All of these engagements are to find ways to protect their rights and those of their children.”