Mining in Tanzania is no longer just a man’s domain. Women in Chunya are proving that the sector can be a powerful engine for income, empowerment, and community development.
Their involvement is helping families thrive, creating jobs, and shaping a new narrative of gender equality in mining.
Many women now participate in all stages of mining from owning small-scale licenses and working as skilled miners to crushing stones and trading minerals.
These activities provide steady income, support children’s education, improve homes, and fund community initiatives.
Happiness Mabula, Chairperson of the Itumbi-Chunya Women Miners Group, said, “Mining 200 meters underground is normal for me. I have been in this work for over ten years, pay taxes, operate my own pits, and help young people. When women succeed in mining, the whole community benefits.” She noted that challenges remain, such as occasional intrusions into mining areas, but the benefits outweigh the risks.
Angela Sompo, Deputy Chairperson of the same group, shared that their collective approach has strengthened them.
“We started in 2023 with 25 women, pooling resources like blasting cartridges and compressors. Today, 11 members have received equipment that makes work easier. We also raised funds internally, helping each member access capital and essential tools.” Angela, who mines on her husband’s licensed area, praised government regulation of gold prices, which has improved profits for women miners.
Anna Francis, Deputy Chairperson of the Itumbi Women Miners Village Group, highlighted how government support has created new income streams.
“The stone-crushing machines provided by the government generate revenue for our group. Selling a 10-ton truckload of crushed stones for TZS 300,000 helps fund group activities,” she said.
She also thanked the Tanzania Women’s Mining Association (TAWOMA) for creating opportunities to attend meetings and conferences, which expand knowledge and business networks.
Mariam Hussein, another group member, emphasized the impact on her family. “With rising gold prices, we earn up to TZS 260,000 per gram. Mining has transformed our lives and Chunya as a whole.” These three women’s groups have secured a small-scale mining license in Itumbi, although extraction has not yet begun.
Men in the sector also recognize women’s growing role. Samwel Jeremiah Mhasibu from the Chunya Small-Scale Miners Association said, “We thank President Samia for empowering women and the government for establishing gold markets that benefit all miners, including women.”
He urged authorities to continue supporting women with mining equipment and resources.
Women’s active participation has transformed Chunya. Sofia Mwanauta, a local miner, explained, “Mining has brought modern buildings, businesses, security services, and infrastructure to Chunya. The town today looks completely different from a few years ago.”
Women miners appeal to the government to prioritize them with well-researched mining licenses, guidance on licensing processes, access to equipment, and financial support. They also urge banks to make loans more accessible to small-scale miners.
The women praised the Sixth Phase government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan for creating an enabling environment where they can work freely and profitably.
They thanked authorities for regulated gold markets, price controls, provision of essential equipment, and support for forming women’s mining groups.
The Chunya women miners encourage women across Tanzania to embrace mining. They urge others to join groups, access resources, and overcome societal stereotypes, showing that mining is a viable path to financial independence, empowerment, and community transformation.