The planetGOLD Zambia Project Advances Gender Mapping and Mainstreaming in Mpika District, Muchinga Province.

On 16th February, the planetGOLD Zambia Project conducted a Gender Mapping and Mainstreaming engagement at Mutamba Catholic Church in Mpika District, Muchinga Province bringing together Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Miners, District Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining Technical Committee (DASGM), to strengthen gender inclusion with a focus on integration of women in active participation in mining. 

The meeting provided an open platform for participants to grasp the significance of gender mainstreaming in the ASGM sector.
Participants openly discussed long-standing cultural beliefs that discourage women from entering mining pits. Many questioned the validity of these claims, noting that women work in formal mining operations without affecting gold production.
“We hear that women should not go to the pit because the gold will disappear, but women work in large mines and there are no complaints. These beliefs are not based on facts.” Chama Muswema a miner Said.

Others reflected on personal experiences that challenged these myths. A female miner shared that she had successfully panned gold during her menstrual cycle, contradicting beliefs that women should not mine during such times.
Miners agreed that these restrictions are rooted in cultural beliefs rather than scientific evidence. They called on communities to rethink such narratives and promote equal participation.

“It is disheartening because every human being has rights. Calling women names such as “Insoka” snakes, and chasing them from mining pits must stop. Gold does not disappear because of women,” Mr. Reagan Ntalasha Mpika DASGM Vice Chairperson said.
Miners acknowledged that forming cooperatives boosts inclusion and strengthens economic livelihoods. 
Mr. Wesley Musukuma a representative from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security emphasised that Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) is recognised as formal work and requires proper employment contracts, clear working conditions and gender-equitable treatment.

Representative from the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises Development Mr. Reagan Ntalasha encouraged miners to focus on strategic planning, innovation, and cooperative development rather than cultural divisions. 
Miners called on mindset change, unity, and stronger collaboration between men and women to ensure that Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining contributes to household stability and community development.