Anastazia Mukamusana is a proud single mother of 11 with enormous responsibility on her shoulders. But that is not the unique story about her, she has also treaded where many women loath. She is part of an industry not so many women would gladly join.  

A now very influential woman in the mining sector where she started out as a minor’s helper, Mukamusana has crafted a golden path in mining for over 10 years now under Rwinkwavu Wolfram Mining Company. She has actively strived to demystify the stereotype that the mining sector is taboo for women in her area; As a result many women have followed her on this route and the number of women working as miners is on the rise-thanks to her resolve. 

In 2010, she was part of the miners that were rewarded for their excellent work in the mining sector.

"Mining is the main activity of the people of Rwinkwavu so I can’t be exceptional. I started in 1946 working for Belgians. It was then known as SOMERWA I,” she reminisces.

In an industry traditionally dominated by males, Mukamusana has actively fought to change this stereotype, proving to be a role model for many women.

"Getting out there and showing people what I do is very important. Women are very good at self promotion and highlighting our achievements,” she adds.

Working in a male dominated field where women make up only a very small percentage of the workforce, Mukamusana believes that the development of leadership, diversity and equal opportunity for women is necessary to bring about positive change.

"The biggest challenge we used to face as women in this industry was the stereotypes; it was not in a manager’s culture to work with women. We had to work a lot harder to prove ourselves,” she says.

However, Mukamusana highlights that the industry is slowly changing, with positive advancement towards achieving stronger work life balances, family programmes and flexible working hours. 

"This is assisting women in the industry to advance. I have 11 children that I support them through my work. I also do farming but use workers that I pay. The Rwf 100,000 that I save per month isn’t little at all,” she says.

Like mother like daughter

Like mother like daughter, Francine Uwamariya, has also followed in her mother’s footsteps and is doing well in the mining business. 

"When I was a teenager in the early 80’s, I became a miner. This is a time when people flocked the mines for employment,” she says.

She adds: "I had learned a lot from my mother and father in regards to mining and was confident that I would sail through. There was nothing new to me. Everything to do with waking up early to retiring late in the evening or working all day every week didn’t bother me,” she recalls.

"Hard rock mining is solid work and most of the miners spend their working hours underground. But the pay is good. My mother is my mentor and I will do the work till I’m 50 when miners officially retire.”

She says mining is a tough job and that many women find it too hard to do.

"It is certainly not an easy job. We work long hours for our wages. The potential dangers are always there. But it has made us closer and tightened the bond between us,” she says.

Women and mineral production

Martin Kampayana, the manager of Rwinkwavu Mines, says that women have greatly contributed to the mines general production.

"We look forward to adding more women to our mines because they are very committed. Their actions are bigger than anybody’s expectations,” he says.

Kamayana notes that for decades, women have contributed to the minerals industry in Rwanda. Through leadership, education and innovation, these women have opened doors for more women to participate in one of Rwanda’s most vital sectors. 

The Best Miner award given to a female miner was a symbol to recognise the achievements of women who have made a significant contribution to Rwinkwavu and the industry at large.

"It’s no accident that the best miner 2013 was a woman. This award has raised awareness of our industry to society and it has reinforced the fact that there are roles for women in the industry. We also provide solid support network for women and this is an important aspect for retention and for sharing creative ideas,” he says.

Thamalie Mukayiririza, 38, who won the 2013 Best Miner award in Rwinkwavu, says that the sky is the limit for women in the industry.

"One of the ways to earn respect as a woman is to challenge men in these traditionally male dominated jobs. Some ageing women amongst us gave us the courage to keep in the mines. I competed with men for the award and I won it,” she says.

Mukaruriza reflects on her early life when she was a house wife. "My husband was the sole bread winner and this made me uncomfortable.  So, when I saw some women, actually far older than me in the mines, I gave it a try. I have since increased my family’s income, bought a car for family business and lots more.” 

Mukayiririza however, notes that the number of women in the mines was still very small, citing social norms as the main cause.

"Believe it or not, there are many men who wouldn’t let their wives in the mines. We are given all sorts of names to discourage us. Not all women are lucky like me to enjoy the full support of their husbands. The whole family now enjoys the fruits of my labour in the mines,” she admits.

Joseph Mutarutinya, 48, a resident of Rwinkwavu sector, notes that women working in the mines are as good as those working in other jobs.

"It all depends on how much a woman is committed. The women in the mines have been very instrumental in developing their families. In fact, lucky are the men whose wives work hard in the mines. No man should stand in the way of a woman ready to work in the mines. It is myopic,” he observes.

***

FACTS ABOUT THE RWANDAN MINING SECTOR

Last year, Rwanda became the first country in the Great Lakes to issue a regional certificate for the exportation of minerals, a move that is set to boost mineral traceability and transparency.

There are over 15 certified mining companies in Rwanda 

While Rwanda joined the rest of the world to celebrate the International Mining Day last year on December 5th, there was an intensive call to adopt innovations and research tools that will propel the industry’s economic value.

The mining sector is Rwanda’s second-largest exporter after tourism, contributing about 40 per cent of the total exports.

Rwanda’s mining sector includes 548 mine sites with tin ore, wolframite ore and coltan ore, the most exported minerals.

The government aims at to increasing revenues from mineral exports that was worth $136.6 million (Rwf87 billion) in 2012, to $409 million (Rwf26o billion) by 2017.