…. Partners Richflood Foundation to empower young women in mining
Women in Mining Africa (WiM Africa) through its implementing partner Richflood Foundation has officially launched its groundbreaking “NextGen Women in Mining” Initiative, aimed at empowering young women across Africa to pursue careers in the mining industry. This transformative program seeks to build capacity, address gender disparities, and provide financial incentives for female students pursuing mining-related courses in universities and polytechnics.
The initiative was successfully launched with an initial pilot in Northern Nigeria, where over 250 applications were received from female students between the age 18-25, studying mining-related disciplines. After a rigorous selection process, 100 young women were shortlisted and received incentivized grant of ₦25,000 each. The recipients are students from institutions such as Federal University Lokoja, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, and universities in Zamfara, Sokoto, and Niger states, among others.
These young women, many from marginalized communities in the far north, face challenges such as insecurity, limited accessibility to resources, and gender biases. Despite these obstacles, they have shown incredible determination to pursue their dreams in traditionally male-dominated fields like Geology, Geophysics, Mining Engineering, Metallurgy & Materials Engineering, Industrial Chemistry and other related Geoscience courses.
On Saturday, January 11th, 2025, a mentorship session was held to inspire and guide the beneficiaries. Speaking at the event, Dr. Comfort Asokoro Ogaji, Executive Director of WiM Africa, stated:
“The stories of these young women are both touching and inspiring. Despite the odds, they have chosen to break barriers and pursue their passion for mining. Our goal is to continue supporting them, not just financially but also through mentorship and capacity building, to help them become leaders in the industry.”
One of the beneficiaries, Ashfat Abbas, a Geology student from the University of Jos, shared her story. She recounted how she had initially wanted to study Medicine and Surgery and was told that “Geology is for men,” but refused to let societal norms deter her. “I am deeply grateful to WiM Africa for this opportunity and platform,” she said.
Many beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to WiM Africa and its implementing partner in Nigeria for their unwavering support and commitment to fostering a more inclusive mining sector.
East Africa : Following the success in Northern Nigeria, WiM-Africa is expanding the “NextGen Women in Mining” Initiative to East Africa. Applications are now open for female students from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda who are studying mining-related courses. A total of 100 students will be shortlisted to receive mentorship and financial support.
The “NextGen Women in Mining” Initiative is designed to Provide financial support to young women studying mining-related courses across Africa, Offer mentorship and career guidance to help them overcome challenges and build successful careers, Address gender disparities in the mining sector and create a strong network of future female leaders in mining who will drive innovation and sustainability.
Looking ahead, WiM-Africa aims to roll out the NextGen program across other regions of the continent, targeting Southern and West African countries in subsequent phases. In addition to financial grants, and in collaboration with its Implemeting partners and other stakeholders, the program will include hands-on training, internship opportunities, and leadership development workshops to prepare the beneficiaries for impactful careers.
Dr. Comfort Asokoro-Ogaji emphasized the importance of continued collaboration:
“This initiative is a call to action for governments, educational institutions, and industry players to join us in investing in the future of women in mining create opportunities for the next generation.”
