By Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
The Women in Mining Africa, WiM-Africa, said it has championed the empowerment of women and improved mining practices across African countries.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Executive Director of the Women in Mining Africa, WiM-Africa, Dr. Comfort Asokoro-Ogaji in Abuja.
The statement stressed the need for more empowerments of mining in host communities across Africa.
It stated that key employment initiatives done by WiM-Africa include “Voices of Children from the Pits” program and community restoration projects in changing lives, removing children from hazardous mines, and ensuring environmental sustainability.
According to the statement, following WiM-Africa empowerment program, Dr. Asokoro-Ogaji was recently conferred with the “Peace and Development in Mining Host Communities award by the Northern Youth Peace Ambassadors, NYPA.
According to the statement, the award was bestowed on her in recognition of her relentless commitment to creating sustainable solutions and empowering mining host communities across Africa
It adds that over fifteen years of Dr Asokoros leadership, three hundred and fifty investment projects in key sectors such as mining, agriculture, power, and manufacturing have been achieved.
The statement further states that Dr. Comfort has worked with over two hundred and fifty mining host communities, developing Community Development Agreements, Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA), Environmental and Social Due Diligence (ESDD), and Environmental Protection and Rehabilitation Programs.
“Her leadership roles also include serving as Country Director for the Africa Minerals and Miners Centre (MMC) and heading Richflood Laboratories, specializing in mineral ore testing and sustainable mining practices”
“This award is a testament to the collaborative efforts of our team at Women in Mining Africa (WiM-Africa),”
“As WiM-Africa expands its reach, it continues to advocate for gender equality, responsible mining, and inclusive leadership in the sector”