Chunya. Women in Chunya District, Mbeya Region, are steadily proving that mining is not a men-only industry but a field of opportunity for all.
Demonstrating courage and resilience, these women are now actively engaged in small-scale mining, ore crushing, trading, and mine management, transforming both their lives and their communities.
The women said the mining sector has become a vital source of income, education, and social progress.
Many have been able to build houses, start development projects, and support their families through the proceeds earned from their work in mining.
Chairperson of the Itumbi–Chunya Women Miners’ Group, Ms Happiness Mabula, said women have made great strides in the industry and are now taking on roles once perceived as too demanding for them.
“For me, going 200 metres underground to extract minerals is a normal routine. I have been doing this work for over ten years. I own several pits and have been paying taxes to the government throughout that period. We also support young people who wish to join the mining sector,” she said.
Ms Mabula noted that mining has become a lifeline for many women, enabling them to improve their living standards and contribute to the national economy.
However, she also highlighted persistent challenges such as mine invasions and limited access to capital.
She called on the government and financial institutions to establish more accessible financing schemes to enable women miners to invest in better technology and enhance safety at mine sites.
The group’s Vice Chairperson, Ms Angela Sompo, explained that their association was founded in 2023 with 25 women members to promote mutual support in acquiring mining equipment and working capital.
“We began by contributing work tools such as winches and compressors. So far, we have been able to provide equipment to 11 members, which has made our operations much easier. We also agreed to contribute one million shillings each month, which helped us raise capital and purchase equipment,” said Ms Sompo.
She added that she has been involved in mining for over ten years, operating under her husband’s licences, which have brought her significant economic success.
Ms Sompo commended the government’s efforts to stabilise gold prices, a move she said has allowed small-scale miners to benefit more from their hard work.
The women believe that with stronger collaboration between themselves, the government, and financial institutions, the mining sector can become a powerful driver of sustainable development, employment, and social empowerment, while promoting gender equality within Tanzania’s growing economy.
