A route for gender equality in artisanal mining in Peru

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) is a significant source of employment in Peru. It is estimated that around 300 thousand people are engaged in this work across the country's 25 regions. However, according to the "Employment Report" from the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MINEM), women's participation in this sector is only 9.62%, highlighting the predominant male presence in the activity.

Despite the presence of women leading some mining operations, the "Women and Men of Gold" study by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) reveals the vulnerability of women in ASGM. According to the document, women in mining typically hold positions related to services and personnel care. The situation of mineral sorters, known as "pallaqueras," is even more concerning, as they face greater job insecurity due to the lack of contractual ties and formal support for fair gold trade.

In response to this issue, the Ministry of the Environment (MINAM), MINEM, and UNDP, through the planetGOLD Peru project, have developed a gender action plan to address the demands of female miners, particularly the women mineral selectors groups. This plan focuses on promoting associativity, financial education, and economic empowerment.

Associativity as a starting point

For the initial step in implementing the gender action plan in ASM, four groups of "pallaqueras" in the mining areas of Puno, Piura, and Arequipa were identified. The actions were tailored to each territory and the level of associativity they exhibited. The associativity of the women mineral selectors groups allows for improved organization and provides support in the absence of a national norm that recognizes them.

During 2021 and 2022, technical assistance was provided to strengthen the management of already established associations, such as the six associations in La Rinconada base in Puno and Cuatro Horas in Arequipa. Additionally, efforts led to the organization and legal constitution as non-profit civil associations of the Association of Women Mineral Selectors Katarata in Arequipa and the first association of women mineral selectors in Piura: the Association of Women Mineral Selectors Cuchi Corral-Chirinos-Suyo.

As a result of this intervention in the process of associativity of groups of women mineral selectors, a practical guide titled "The ABCs of stablishing a Women Mineral Association" (document in Spanish) was developed. This document simplifies the step-by-step process that sorting groups should follow to establish themselves legally and will be disseminated by the National Network of Women in ASM to promote associativity.

Education and financial inclusion

Overcoming the gender gaps faced by women in artisanal and small-scale mining, in addition to associativity, required an additional step: the consolidation of their economic independence and access to formal banking for financing complementary businesses, allowing "pallaqueras" to progressively move away from manual gold sorting.

Therefore, in 2022, together with Grupo GEA, a Financial Education Program was developed and implemented to strengthen the capacities of 188 women mineral selectors in managing personal finances, entrepreneurship, and accessing financing. During this period, a preliminary mapping of entrepreneurship opportunities was also conducted.

Additionally, in September 2023, in collaboration with Caja Ica, the first two financial products for ASM in Peru were launched. The "Crece Minero" credit, aimed at formal miners, both male and female, and those in the process of formalization; and the "Mujer Pallaquera" credit, targeting women mineral selectors or "pallaqueras."

Economic independence

In 2023, in collaboration with the NGO Solidaridad, "Emprende Pallaquera" emerged for the development of complementary businesses to mineral selection. Through this initiative, the aim is to improve the economic situation of "pallaqueras" by creating competitive and formal enterprises.

Currently, eight groups of mineral selectors are part of this initiative. They are active members of the associations of mineral selectors allied with the planetGOLD Peru project in Arequipa, Piura, and Puno. As a result of the support and market research provided, it is expected that by 2024, enterprises such as restaurants, sewing workshops, bakeries, and pig farms will be established.

As part of the business financing process, in addition to access to formal bank loans, the sorting groups took part in a seed capital competition. The bakery and pastry enterprise 'Las Eugenias,' formed by "pallaqueras" from La Eugenia community in the Arequipa region, received a prize of 14,800 soles from Solidaridad.

The consolidation of the businesses of the women mineral selectors represents the final stage of the gender action plan for artisanal and small-scale mining. Associativity provides women mineral selectors with the opportunity for empowerment, and recognition of their work, and guides them, along with other women, towards common goals for economic autonomy, dignified and secure employment, contributing to the economy and well-being of their families.