Over 50 female miners in Nasarawa State have been sexually harassed by male colleagues in the last six months. This is according to Women In Mining In Nigeria (WIMIN) during a three-day training on Sexual Gender-Based Violence in Lafia.
WIMIN, with support from the Ford Foundation, urged action against rising sexual harassment and violence.
WIMIN President, Janet Adeyemi, revealed that 90% of their members have faced sexual harassment in the past year. She said it was a widespread issue across mining sites.
Adeyemi, represented by Vice President Regina Edzuwah, called on stakeholders to combat gender-based violence and sexual exploitation in workplaces and communities, stating that despite awareness campaigns, women’s rights continue to be violated.
The training programme, “Eliminating Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Mining Host Communities,” aims to address these issues. It covers topics such as understanding GBV, cultural norms, legal frameworks, and trauma-informed care.
Adeyemi pointed out that women in mining are often abused, overworked, underpaid, and even raped by male workers. Companies also illegally employ young children, overworking them and paying their wages to their mothers.
Justina Allu, Director of Public Defender at the Nasarawa State Ministry of Justice, confirmed that over 50 cases have been reported in the past six months.
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