Insiza woman shines in mining

In such a male dominated sector, even some men are sceptical to venture into such, Kundai Chikonzo has defied all odds. she is one, woman who could not wait for the ship to come to the shore, rather she opted to swim to the ship so that she could sail through the waves of greatness. An accountant by profession, Kundai narrates her road to greatness, ‘I registered a consulting firm, Chee Tee Consults private limited in 2014, offering consultancy services, specialising in, company registration, bookkeeping, tax advisory, project management, project proposals.’ A holder of Batchelor of commerce degree with Great Zimbabwe University. She is also a founder of Insiza Women in Mining Trust in Insiza District . Chikonzo reiterates that ‘I have ventured into mining as a result of seeing a niche and discovered a great need to venture in mining. Mining is a business like any other business but it needs appreciation so that one plans properly, furthermore mining is not always about going underground but one can do the value addition, as an entrepreneur you can even supply any mining related products. I am so passionate about training women in the mining sector and this has prompted me to come up with a Trust to empower women in the mining sector. My vision is to have a training school in Insiza District that can provide training to these women who wants to be in business and other people within the mining communities to train them on safer mining methods, identifying opportunities within the mining industry and empowering girl child and the disabled.’ ‘Established in March 2020, the aim of the Trust is to increase knowledge and skills on safe mining and processing techniques that contribute to the ever increasing cases of health and safety problems of women. Moreover, it results in environmental issues. Most women miners settle in very poor traditional housing conditions. Some women miners live in make‐shift shelters next to mining sites and rivers to avoid long travel to work and to protect their land and leases from thieves and invading miners. These shelters hardly offer comfort and protection from bad weather conditions, yet they will be with the children, there hence risks of landslides, floods and thieves. Mining sites are located in very isolated and dangerous geographic settings. Some mining activities are done next to homes and near public infrastructure such as roads, bridges and power lines. For social and cultural reasons women were not allowed to mine in the early days because the nature of work was considered too risky for them to get involved. Men miners were happy to keep their women away from mining and rather kept them busy with domestic responsibilities. However, changes brought about by socio‐economic circumstances now allows women to work. I have done it as a woman we can do it.’ She adds INSIZA WOMEN IN MINING TRUST (IWMT) is a legally registered Trust. Following a survey of small scale mining in the area, it was observed that there was a need for milling facilities as well as ways to boost gold production. IWMT serves to enhance the participation of women in mining, cater for persons with disability (PwDs), provide opportunities for community growth and also educating children. IWMT seeks to advance the development of underrepresented communities and its people through mining activities; involve and retain diverse minorities in the mining and related industries by providing opportunities for employment, networking and professional development. The organization is also premised on empowering women owned mines in the sector focusing on economic sustainability, community development and growth. The need to provide resources for women in mining is primarily hinged on the following objective To capacitate women in formalizing their mining operations, focusing on establishing a community centre to foster the growth, education and development of children while their mothers concentrate on mining activities. Empowering the social and cultural contexts of women in mining using various organisations. Promoting the preservation of heritage and history of mining within underrepresented mining communities.