The Women in Mining Africa (WiM Africa), through its implementing partner Richflood Foundation, has launched the ‘NextGen Women in Mining’ initiative.
The programme, which seeks to build capacity, address gender disparities, and provide financial incentives for female students pursuing mining-related courses in universities and polytechnics, is aimed at empowering young women across Africa to pursue careers in the mining industry, a statement by the organisation stated.
The initiative was successfully launched with an initial pilot in Northern Nigeria, where over 250 applications were received and 100 shortlisted following a rigorous screening process.
The recipients aged between 18-25 are students from institutions, including the Federal University Lokoja, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, and universities in Zamfara, Sokoto, and Niger states, among others.
The young women, mostly from marginalised communities in the 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.
A mentorship session was held to inspire and guide the beneficiaries on Saturday.
Speaking at the event, Comfort Asokoro Ogaji, executive director at WiM Africa, said: “The stories of these young women are both touching and inspiring.
“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, 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.
Following the success of the programme in Northern Nigeria, WiM-Africa is expanding the ‘NextGen Women in Mining’ Initiative to East Africa.
Applications are also 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.
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.
Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date
Open In Whatsapp
