*Hajia Fatima Umaru-Shinkafi, Executive Secretary of Solid Minerals Development Fund*
As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2026 today, Sunday, 8 March, under the theme “Give to Gain,” the mining industry finds itself at a critical juncture. Long considered the ultimate “male-dominated” frontier, the sector is finally beginning to unearth the immense value that gender diversity brings to the surface.
The Current Landscape
Despite decades of progress, women still represent only 10% to 15% of the global industrial mining workforce. However, in the Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) sector, women often make up to 40-50% of the labor force, though they are frequently relegated to lower-paid roles like washing and sorting ore.
The Challenges: More Than Just Hard Hats
The barriers to entry and advancement remain significant:
Safety and Health: Mining environments often lack Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) designed for female anatomy, and women face disproportionate risks of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
The “Mirror Ceiling“: Beyond the glass ceiling, many women describe a “concrete” barrier made of doubt and dismissal, where they must work twice as hard for half the recognition.
Legislative Hurdles: In some regions, archaic laws still prohibit women from working underground or during night shifts, inadvertently pushing them toward more dangerous, informal mining practices.
The Opportunity: Why “Give to Gain” Matters
The 2026 theme emphasizes that investing in women is not a “favor” but an intentional multiplication of talent:
Operational Performance: Companies with gender-diverse leadership are 25% more likely to outperform their peers.
Safety Gains: Research from industry giants like BHP shows that diverse crews have a 67% lower injury rate than non-diverse teams.
Innovation: The shift toward automation and AI in mining—trends accelerating in 2026—is reducing the need for brute physical strength, opening more doors for women in technical and managerial roles.
Strategic Steps Forward
To move from statistics to true inclusion, the industry must:
Dismantle Bias: Organizations like International Women in Mining (IWiM) advocate for “blind hiring” processes to judge talent on merit alone.
Formalize ASM: Governments must create navigable pathways for women in artisanal mining to access licenses and financial resources.
Invest in Mentorship: Active advocacy by male allies is crucial for women to break into rooms where they are currently absent.
Roles of SMDF in empowering women in Nigeria’s mining sector
The Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF) plays a pivotal role in empowering women in Nigeria’s mining sector by addressing barriers such as lack of skills, limited funding, and historical marginalization. Through targeted initiatives and strategic partnerships, the SMDF is transforming the mining value chain into an inclusive space for female entrepreneurs.
Large-Scale Capacity Building: The SMDF has launched a major program to empower 1,000 women in gemstone mining and jewelry-making. This initiative equips women with the technical skills to transform raw gemstones into high-value products.
Financial Inclusion: Beyond training, the SMDF provides access to loans and grants, helping women transition from trainees to owners of thriving mining enterprises. This direct funding is critical for overcoming the credit distribution gap that often favors other sectors like agriculture.
Economic Independence: By focusing on the gemstone value chain, the SMDF creates a pathway for women to achieve economic independence and social empowerment within their communities.
Strategic Policy Advocacy: The SMDF, under the leadership of Executive Secretary Hajia Fatima Shinkafi, works closely with the Women in Mining Nigeria (WIMIN) to foster a more gender-inclusive environment.
Sustainable Exploration: The fund provides platforms for women to explore mineral resources under proper supervision and regulations, ensuring that their participation is both environmentally sustainable and legally protected.
Skill Acquisition: Programs focus on technical geological knowledge, gemstone cutting, and jewelry craftsmanship.
Job Creation: By supporting 1,000 entrepreneurs, the SMDF is directly improving the scale of female employment in the solid minerals sector.
Mentorship and Networking: SMDF initiatives often include mentorship components to ensure long-term success and career progression for women in remote mining communities.
Eyes on the Future
As we look toward the future, the goal is simple: an industry where a woman’s contribution is measured not by her gender, but by the skill and leadership she brings to the pit.
