Humming audibly while seated on a pile of crushed aggregates, Nachap Agnes, 23, keeps pounding the stones into smaller pieces with a sledgehammer. The pounding continues until the heap of bigger stones is no more before she embarks on another heap. Breathing heavily and soaked in sweat, Nachap beckons one of the women waiting for her turn to embark on this strenuous, energy-draining means of livelihood. “Bring me water. My throat is drying up. Oh! It’s hectic,” exclaims Nachap.
Although perceived to be a male-dominated job elsewhere in the country, for Nachap, it is more than just a means of survival; it is the sole livelihood for her family. Women in Karamoja are also key breadwinners for their families, yet many among the grassroots are locked out of local mining opportunities.
The imbalance creates conditions for sexual harassment and exploitation, with very little being done to change the culture operating within the closed mining environment. Recent expert findings on the exclusion of women from artisan mining as an alternative livelihood for Karimojong women highlight these challenges. However, with economic empowerment and financial literacy that women like Nachap continue to acquire in Karamoja, the gender stereotypes will be no more.
Efforts to include more women in mining and other non-traditional roles are essential for breaking down the barriers of gender-based roles. By providing training, resources, and support, women can not only improve their own lives but also contribute significantly to their communities. These steps are crucial for fostering equality and ensuring that women have access to the same opportunities as their male counterparts.
Women in Pokot and Karamoja, like Nachap, are proving that with determination and resilience, they can break gender stereotypes and thrive in traditionally male-dominated fields. Their contributions are vital to the economic and social fabric of their communities, paving the way for future generations of women to follow in their footsteps.
