MWANZA: FOR decades, mining has been regarded as a man’s world, with women often confined to supporting roles while men dominated the extraction of the country’s valuable minerals.
Today, however, that narrative is steadily changing. Across the country’s mineral-rich regions, more women are entering the mining industry as licensed miners, entrepreneurs and employers, proving that determination—not gender—is what defines success in one of the nation’s toughest professions.
For these women, a mining licence is more than a legal document. It is a key that unlocks opportunities, giving them the confidence to invest, expand their businesses and secure a better future for their families.
Among those witnessing this transformation firsthand is Mwanza Regional Women SmallScale Miners Association Chairperson, Ms Hellen Paulin. She says the number of women participating in mining has continued to grow, thanks to increased access to government-issued licences that allow them to operate legally and confidently.
“Mining has helped us to run our lives and support our families. Many women are now able to contribute to household expenses using the income generated from mining,” Ms Paulin said.
She explained that in the past, many women worked in mining areas owned by other licence holders, leaving them vulnerable and limiting their ability to make long-term investments.
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“A mining licence gives women legal recognition and confidence to invest in their businesses. It allows them to participate fully in a sector that has traditionally been dominated by men,” she said.
According to Ms Paulin, formal licences have also improved women’s access to financial services, as banks and other lending institutions are more willing to support businesses that operate legally.
With better access to loans, many women are purchasing improved mining equipment, increasing production and expanding their operations.
As women earn more income, they are investing in their families by paying school fees, improving healthcare and starting other small businesses that provide additional sources of income. “In many families, mining income has become the foundation for paying school fees, accessing better medical care and investing in small businesses,” she said.
The growing participation of women is also creating opportunities for others. Ms Paulin said women who obtain mining licences often establish groups and cooperatives that employ fellow women and young people, helping entire communities benefit from the sector.