By Sukoluhle Ndlovu
The expansion of mining activities in Zvishavane District, Midlands Province, is taking a heavy toll on women, with a new report linking the boom to loss of livelihoods, environmental degradation and exclusion from compensation processes.
A study by the Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG), conducted in partnership with the Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC), found that women in mining communities were among those hardest hit by polluted water sources, shrinking grazing land and the loss of farming opportunities.
“Livelihood losses were severe, with farming, trading, and livestock rearing displaced,” the report said.
Mining activities have also been blamed for polluting rivers, destroying grazing land and disturbing ancestral graves, further disrupting communities that depend on natural resources for their livelihoods.
“Environmental harm is generally acknowledged, but gender impacts, consultation, and compensation remain disputed,” the report said.
Women interviewed during the research also reported cases of harassment and sexual exploitation, while those involved in artisanal mining described unsafe working conditions.
The report found that women, particularly widows and daughters, faced additional challenges when seeking compensation for losses linked to mining operations.
“Widows and daughters are particularly marginalised in compensation frameworks, reinforcing patriarchal norms,” it said.
Communities also raised concerns about alleged exclusion and corruption in compensation processes, as well as growing conflicts over land, water and labour rights.
Some residents accused the police and district authorities of siding with mining companies and operators, leaving affected families with limited avenues to seek redress.
Despite these challenges, women in mining communities have established savings groups, water-monitoring committees and associations such as the Zimbabwe Women in Mining Association (ZAWIMA) to support one another and advocate for their rights.
CNRG said these grassroots initiatives required greater support and recognition from authorities and other stakeholders.
The organisation recommended stronger enforcement of environmental laws, transparent compensation systems and gender-responsive mechanisms for resolving disputes.
It also called for mining laws to include explicit gender provisions and for greater decentralisation of mining governance to ensure that affected communities have a stronger voice in decisions concerning natural resources.
“Bridging the gap between lived realities and institutional narratives requires robust enforcement, gender responsive governance, and recognition of grassroots agency,” the report said.
