Learn how women artisanal gold miners are changing the narrative on Congo and conflict minerals
September 20, 2018—Ottawa, Canada
Two women artisanal gold miners from the Democratic Republic of Congo will be speaking at a series of events in Ottawa during Gender Equality Week about their first-hand experience as gold miners and women leaders in the conflict-affected country.
Kahambu Vaherenie and Moza Zawadi are artisanal gold miners in a remote community in Congo’s northeastern Ituri Province, paving the way for increased gender equality and women’s rights in the artisanal mining sector. Their visit to Canada is hosted by Canadian non-profit IMPACT.
Funded by Global Affairs Canada, IMPACT has been working closely with women artisanal miners in Ituri—supporting their efforts towards equality and economic empowerment. The community has become the first in Congo to sell conflict-free, traceable, and legal gold on the international market through IMPACT’s Just Gold project.
The women will be sharing their first-hand experiences with public audiences, as well as at a one-day conference aimed at policymakers, mining and tech leaders, and international experts.
Our electronics and jewellery—with minerals from mine sites in eastern Congo controlled by armed groups—have been tied to human rights abuses and violence against women. But we’re increasingly seeing the role Congo’s natural resources can play in peacebuilding, development, and gender equality—supported by consumer demand for ethical and responsible products.
What and When
IMPACT presents a one-day conference, From Driving Conflict to Building Peace: Empowering Local Transformation of Natural Resources
Tuesday September 25 from 8:30 to 5:00pm
The conference is by INVITE ONLY.
Media registration: zdanielski@impacttransform.org
IMPACT presents an evening conversation, Inside Congo’s Gold Mines: Women Shifting the Narrative Towards Peace and Empowerment
Thursday September 27 from 6:30 to 8:30pm
Media and public are invited to attend the free event.
Interview/Photo Opportunities
- Speak with women artisanal gold miners from Democratic Republic of Congo, Kahambu Vaherenie and Moza Zawadi about their experience, challenges, and opportunities to women’s empowerment. Please note the women speak Swahili, with interpretation provided into French or English.
- Speak with IMPACT’s Executive Director Joanne Lebert about the organization’s work to support local communities in Democratic Republic of Congo to move towards responsible sourcing of conflict-prone minerals and gender equality at mine sites, how local efforts can inform sustainable peacebuilding—and how Canadians can support these efforts.
- At the conference, hear from global experts on responsible sourcing from conflict-areas and peacebuilding efforts including Google, United Nations Environment., Fair Trade Jewellery Co., and Consensas.
Where
allSaints Event Space
10 Blackburn Ave.
Ottawa
-30-
For more information, please contact:
Zuzia Danielski, Communications Director
zdanielski@impacttransform.org
613-237-6768 ext 310 / 613-263-0661
IMPACT, formerly Partnership Africa Canada, transforms how natural resources are managed in areas where security and human rights are at risk. We investigate and develop approaches for natural resources to improve security, development, and equality. We are an independent non-profit collaborating with local partners for lasting change. www.impacttransform.org
Photo: Offah Obale/IMPACT