The Women in Mining Africa (WiM Africa), in collaboration with its implementing partner, Richflood Foundation, has empowered 100 female geoscience students with a ₦2.5 million grant.
The organisation also launched the groundbreaking “NextGen Women in Mining” Initiative, designed to inspire and support young women across Africa in pursuing careers in the mining industry.
Speaking at the event in Abuja over the weekend, the Executive Director of WiM Africa, Dr. Comfort Asokoro-Ogaji, stated that the initiative aims to build capacity, address gender disparities, and provide financial support to female students pursuing mining-related courses in universities and polytechnics.
Asokoro-Ogaji said: “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.”
The initiative’s pilot phase was launched in Northern Nigeria, where over 250 applications were received from female students aged 18-25 studying mining-related disciplines. After a rigorous selection process, 100 young women were shortlisted and awarded a grant of ₦25,000 each.
The beneficiaries are students from institutions such as Federal University Lokoja, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, and universities in Zamfara, Sokoto, and Niger states, among others.
She added, “These students, many from marginalised communities in the far north, face significant challenges, including insecurity, limited access to resources, and gender biases.
“Despite these obstacles, they remain resolute in their pursuit of careers in fields such as Geology, Geophysics, Mining Engineering, Metallurgy & Materials Engineering, Industrial Chemistry, and other geoscience-related disciplines.”
Asokoro-Ogaji emphasised the need for collective effort, adding that the 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 and creating opportunities for the next generation.”
In a statement, one of the beneficiaries, Ashfat Abbas, a Geology student from the University of Jos, shared her journey: “I initially wanted to study Medicine and Surgery, but societal norms discouraged me, saying ‘Geology is for men.’ I refused to let that deter me. I am deeply grateful to WiM Africa for this opportunity and platform.”
Other beneficiaries also expressed their gratitude to WiM Africa and the Richflood Foundation for their unwavering support and commitment to fostering a more inclusive mining sector.
WiM Africa plans to extend the program to Southern and West African countries in subsequent phases.
In partnership with implementing partners and stakeholders, the initiative will include hands-on training, internship opportunities, and leadership development workshops to prepare beneficiaries for impactful careers.
