WOMEN OPEN UP ON SEXUAL ABUSE IN THE MINING SECTOR

Written by carol phiri on December 5, 2018

Women in the mining sector have raised alarm saying they are facing various forms of exploitation such as sexual abuse in this male dominant sector.

This was revealed during commemorations of 16 days of Activism against Gender Based Violence yesterday hosted by stakeholders including ministry of Women Affairs, Bethany Projects and Oxfam on eliminating Gender based violence within the mining sector.

Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Bethany Projects Director Mrs Rebecca Gumbo said there is need for an urgent solution to put to halt sexual harassment within the mining sector.

She urged women to avoid situations of making themselves vulnerable before men at workplaces as this exposes them to abuse.

Oxfam Projects Officer , Mrs Nomthandazo Jones said women lacks empowerment in report issues of abuse in workplaces.

Cases of sexual abuse are high within the small scale and artisanal sector with National AIDS Council recently expressing concern over increases in sexually transmitted infections within the surrounding mining communities.