CCJP Launches Project to Empower Women in Extractive Governance in Karonga
The project's launch marks a significant step toward addressing gender disparities and promoting community development in the Karonga district.
KARONGA, Malawi — The Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) under the Diocese of Karonga has initiated a new project called "Women's Voice Against Poverty Reduction and Inequalities", writes Tawonga Chisale.
The project aims to empower women and address issues of poverty and inequality in extractive governance in the Karonga district.
Funded by the Southern Africa Trust (SAT), the project will focus on Mpata mining sites under Group Village Mwenenguwo and Poulos.
Vincent Bwinga, the organization's project officer, explained that the project is especially relevant to Karonga due to the prevalence of mining activities that often neglect women's voices and concerns.
"We have a lot of minerals being extracted, such as coal mines, uranium, and copper mines. Most of the time, women are left behind, and their challenges go unheard. Therefore, we would like to reduce the gender gap in this regard," said Bwinga.
He further emphasized that the project's goal is to ensure that women's voices are heard by duty-bearers and investors involved in mining activities.
This will enable the resolution of mining-related issues affecting women and communities, primarily through women's voices.
Christina Ngonga, a community member, welcomed the initiative, hoping it would lead to positive changes in their communities.
She highlighted challenges related to health, environmental rights, and the need for essential infrastructure like roads and health centres.
"We expect that when mining owners enter the community for extraction, they should employ community members, improve infrastructure, and address health concerns, which have been challenged in our area," Ngonga explained.
Ngonga emphasized the readiness of women to collaborate with CCJP's new project, aiming to eliminate their problems and stimulate development in their area.
Vijey Sekhar, the project manager for Kasikizi Coal Mining, pledged their commitment to working with CCJP and local communities to promote poverty reduction and ensure the well-being of community members.
Sekhar also emphasized that, as mining operators, they would prioritize the health and safety of workers from the surrounding communities.
The project's launch marks a significant step toward addressing gender disparities and promoting community development in the Karonga district.