2009, International Finance Corporation, Lonmin, CommDev
Globally oil, gas and mining are important for the economies of more than 50 developing countries, with millions of people earning their livelihood in these industries. Despite all of this potential wealth, it is estimated that up to 1.5 billion people in these countries live on less than $2 per day. Twelve of the most mineral-dependent nations and six of the world’s most oil-dependent states are classified as highly indebted poor countries, with some of the lowest rankings on the Human Development Index, prepared by the United Nations Development Programme.
Women, in particular, often miss out on the potential benefits of the extractive industries and bear an unequal share of its burdens. Employment and income are largely captured by men, with formal unemployment rates for women in mining communities as high as 90 percent. Simultaneously, the environmental and social risks of mining tend to fall upon women through the loss of productive agricultural land, marginalization and an increase in health risks, including HIV/AIDS.
This manual provides a conceptual framework and a step-by-step guide to integrating women into the mining sector, as well as into other extractive and heavy industries. Successful integration of women ensures greater benefits for local communities and creates a more just and equitable society. The integration of women into these historically male-dominated industries is not easy, but when it is done well, it can have a transformative effect.
