Migodi ya Usawa Project.

 Empowering Change: The Migodi ya Usawa Project Combating Gender-Based Violence in Shinyalu and Ikolomani Gold Mines

The gold mining industry has long been a source of livelihood for many people in Kakamega county. However, hidden within this industry lies a harsh reality of gender inequality and rampant gender-based violence.

Recognizing the critical nature of this issue, Rising to Greatness initiated the Migodi ya Usawa project. This project aims to foster equality and combat gender-based violence and sexual harassment in mining areas, specifically Ikolomani and Shinyalu.

Understanding the Challenge

Gold mining in Kakamega is predominantly male-dominated, leading to discrimination, exploitation, and violence against women. Cases of sexual harassment and gender-based violence are alarmingly common, creating a hostile environment for women workers. The need for intervention is clear and urgent.

Intervention at Shinyalu and Ikolomani Gold Mines

At the Ikolomani and Shinyalu mining areas, Migodi ya Usawa project began its intervention with a comprehensive assessment of the situation. The project team engaged with women at the mining sites, documenting their experiences and challenges, and identifying key areas requiring intervention.

During one of these engagements, Florence, a woman working at the Shinyalu mining site, expressed, “Women are always sidelined and prevented from owning a mining shaft. I have been working here for over a decade, and equality has never existed. The extent of harassment we face as women in this mining site is overwhelming.”

The findings were alarming yet not surprising: women faced daily threats of sexual harassment and violence, often from their male counterparts and supervisors.

The Intervention: Empowering Women Leaders and Community Champions

Migodi ya Usawa project implemented a strategic approach, focusing on education and empowerment. The project identified and trained women leaders from various groups at the Shinyalu and Ikolomani mining areas, as well as community champions. This equipped them with the knowledge and skills to effectively address gender-based violence.

Training and Empowerment

The first step was to educate the women group leaders. Through intensive workshops and training sessions, these leaders were informed about their rights, strategies for self-protection, and the importance of solidarity. They were also trained in conflict resolution and how to effectively report and address incidents of gender-based violence.

Additionally, both men and women community champions were trained. These individuals are dedicated to creating change. The champions received specialized training on advocating for gender equality, recognizing and preventing GBV, and supporting survivors. They became pivotal figures in promoting a culture of respect and safety in the mining areas and the community as a whole.

Creating Safe Spaces and Support Systems

One significant outcome of these interventions has been the  establishment of safe spaces within women’s groups in the mining areas. These spaces provided women with a place to meet and report incidents, discuss GBV without fear of retaliation, and access counseling, guidance, and empowerment.

The project also facilitated the formation of support groups where women could share their experiences, offer mutual support, and collectively advocate for changes in their working environment. These groups became a source of strength and resilience, empowering women to stand up against GBV.

Impact and Moving Forward

The intervention by the Migodi ya Usawa project has had a profound impact. Reports of GBV at the mining sites have started to decrease. The atmosphere of fear has been replaced by one of solidarity and support. The empowered women leaders and community champions continue to drive the message of equality, ensuring the sustainability of the progress made.

Monthly visits to various groups focus on gender mainstreaming, economic empowerment, and raising awareness. During these visits, income-generating activities beyond mining are discussed.

This case study illustrates how targeted intervention, education, and empowerment can bring about significant change even in challenging environments. Migodi ya Usawa project, through Rising to Greatness, is not only addressing gender-based violence but also fostering a broader cultural shift towards equality and respect in the Shinyalu and Ikolomani mining areas.

Conclusion

The journey towards eradicating GBV and achieving gender equality in the mining areas is ongoing. However, the Migodi ya Usawa project offers hope. It demonstrates that with the right approach, education, and community involvement, meaningful and lasting change is possible. Rising to Greatness continues to lead the way, ensuring that the gold mined in Shinyalu and Ikolomani shines bright as a symbol of women’s strength and resilience, untainted by their suffering.

By Musungu Selpher