Health and Well-being:- Mental Health Issues: The pressure to balance work and family responsibilities, coupled with workplace stress and discrimination, can lead to mental health problems like anxiety and depression.
- Physical Health Concerns: Long working hours, sedentary lifestyles, and exposure to workplace hazards can negatively impact women's physical health.
- Pay Gap: Women often earn less than men for equal work, leading to a lifetime of lower earnings.
- Pension Inequality: Women may have lower pension benefits due to career interruptions, lower wages, and discriminatory pension policies.
- Financial Literacy: Women may have limited access to financial education and resources, making it difficult to make informed financial decisions.
- Underrepresentation in Leadership Roles: Women are often underrepresented in leadership positions, particularly in male-dominated industries.
- Lack of Mentorship and Sponsorship: Women may lack access to mentors and sponsors who can help them advance their careers.
- Implicit Bias and Stereotypes: Women may face unconscious bias and stereotypes that hinder their career progression.
- Doubly impacted – working environment/conditions in the mine (unsafe, discriminatory)
- Long working hours underground (pressure to prove themselves)
- Limited opportunities for better positions (glass ceiling)Bears the brunt of discriminatory policies (gender policies ignored)
- Lack of mentorship and professional guidance
- Workplace support (lack of)
- Hygiene facilities (lack of)
- Insufficient career and development guidance
- Women’s concerns about health and safety risks are not adequately addressed
- Bias against women (e.g., drilling operator fired for being "too aggressive")
- Women’s labour is undervalued compared to men (assigned lower-paying task
Social and Cultural Barriers:
- Society’s attitudes about women's roles (secretaries, cleaners)
- Stigma against women excelling ("having an affair")
- Girls and women from disadvantaged backgrounds are at greater risk
Gender-Based Violence:
- Gender-Based violence is prevalent (femicide cases, sexual harassment)
- Systemic factors contribute to GBV (impunity, societal stigma)
- GBV has a detrimental effect on individuals, families, and society
Economic Exploitation:
- Low salary/wages – with little or no benefits – usually on contract work.
- Very few women own their own pits or extraction sites (often rent from mafia)
- Women’s lack of access to capital (limited equipment ownership, high rental fees)
- Vulnerable and ignorant of their rights (constant violations)
- Harassment by authorities (body searches)
Workplace Challenges:
- Doubly impacted – working environment/conditions in the mine (unsafe, discriminatory)
- Long working hours underground (pressure to prove themselves)
- Limited opportunities for better positions (glass ceiling)
- Bears the brunt of discriminatory policies (gender policies ignored)
- Lack of mentorship and professional guidance
- Workplace support (lack of)
- Hygiene facilities (lack of)
- Insufficient career and development guidance
- Women’s concerns about health and safety risks are not adequately addressed
- Bias against women (e.g., drilling operator fired for being "too aggressive")
- Women’s labour is undervalued compared to men (assigned lower-paying tasks)
Social and Cultural Barriers:
- Society’s attitudes about women's roles (secretaries, cleaners)
- Stigma against women excelling ("having an affair")
- Girls and women from disadvantaged backgrounds are at greater risk
Gender-Based Violence:
Gender-Based violence is prevalent (femicide cases, sexual harassment)
- Systemic factors contribute to GBV (impunity, societal stigma)
- GBV has a detrimental effect on individuals, families, and society
Economic Exploitation:
- Low salary/wages – with little or no benefits – usually on contract work.
- Very few women own their own pits or extraction sites (often rent from mafia)
- Women’s lack of access to capital (limited equipment ownership, high rental fees)
- Vulnerable and ignorant of their rights (constant violations)
- Harassment by authorities (body searches)
Digital Divide and Technological Barriers:
- Limited Access to Technology: Women, especially in rural areas or low-income communities, may have limited access to computers, smartphones, and the internet.
- Digital Skills Gap: Women may lack the necessary digital skills to thrive in a technology-driven workplace.
- Cybersecurity Threats: Women may be more vulnerable to online harassment, cyberbullying, and identity theft.
Climate Change and Environmental Impacts:
- Increased Workload: Climate change-induced disasters, such as floods and droughts, can disproportionately impact women, increasing their workload and responsibilities.
- Health Risks: Women may be more susceptible to health risks associated with climate change, such as heat stress and waterborne diseases.
- Economic Disruptions: Climate change-related events can disrupt supply chains and livelihoods, particularly affecting women-owned businesses.
Intersectionality and Multiple Disadvantage:
- Compounding Challenges: Women from marginalized groups, such as racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and women with disabilities, face multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination.
- Limited Representation: These women are often underrepresented in decision-making roles and may face additional barriers to advancement.
By addressing these multifaceted challenges, we can create a more equitable and inclusive workplace for women and empower them to reach their full potential.
