Latest news with #womensempowerment
Arab News
7 hours ago
- General
- Arab News
Bahrain, UN Women open nominations for global women's empowerment award
LONDON: The Supreme Council for Women in Bahrain, in partnership with UN Women, has opened nominations for the third cycle of the HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al-Khalifa Global Award for Women's Empowerment, it was announced on Tuesday. Governments, private enterprises, civil society organizations and individuals worldwide are invited to apply across four categories: Public sector, private sector, civil society organizations and individuals. Each winner will receive a $100,000 prize. The triennial award recognizes efforts that improve women's lives, promote gender equality and support their role in sustainable development and societal stability. Nominations close on March 20, 2026. Full details, including eligibility criteria and submission guidelines, are available at
Zawya
a day ago
- Business
- Zawya
Moving gold, moving economies: The rise of migrant women in Zimbabwe's mining sector
Moving gold, moving economies: The rise of migrant women in Zimbabwe's mining sector A few years ago, she crossed into Zimbabwe from Mozambique with nothing but her youngest child, a small backpack, and the hope of a better life. Today, she is part of a growing network of migrant women shaping the country's mining economy. An infographic outlining migration patterns from the country of origin to the area of settlement. Women as Economic Architects Across Zimbabwe's artisanal gold fields, stories like Faith's are no longer rare. Women, once invisible in mining, are now taking their place at the centre of an industry long dominated by men. And not just local women, many have journeyed from across borders. In the dynamic mining corridors of Zimbabwe, from Penhalonga to Mazowe, a quiet revolution is reshaping the landscape. It's not led by bulldozers or corporations, but by women, with tools in hand, business savvy in their minds, and community at heart, they are building economies, networks, and futures. These women are not passive participants in a tough trade. They are pioneers in a regional transformation, connecting communities, creating markets, and aligning naturally with the vision of a borderless, prosperous Africa. Women from across Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, and Zambia are making strategic moves to mining centers not out of desperation, but out of ambition. Whether traveling internally or across borders, they arrive equipped with a will to work, a knack for trade, and a strong sense of community. An image visualiser, showing women miners in action Mining as a Launchpad, Not a Destination Migrant women play their role in Zimbabwe's artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector. They are miners, traders, cooperative leaders, safety advocates, and value-chain entrepreneurs. With each gram of gold they produce or trade, they are investing in their families, their communities, and the regional economy. Many of these women are experienced market traders, farmers, and informal entrepreneurs. When economic pressures or climate shifts affect their home regions, they view mining hubs like Mazowe or Bikita as opportunities, not just to earn, but to grow. 'Mining offered me the capital I needed to scale up my business,' says Miriam, a miner originally from Mozambique. 'I came to dig, but I stayed to build.' Rather than being locked into the mine, women are using mining as a stepping stone into other ventures: poultry, retail, construction, and cross-border trade. It is a deliberate strategy, not a last resort. Mining by the Numbers: A Sector Shaped by Women Zimbabwe's ASM sector employs an estimated 535,000 people. According to the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association, women represent between 10% and 15% nationally. In some districts like Mazowe or Penhalonga, they make up nearly half of the workforce. While official data doesn't always capture migration, field evidence shows that migrant women form a vital backbone of mining site economies, especially in high-traffic gold zones. Nowhere is this impact more visible than at Jumbo Mine in Mazowe. Once a conventional gold field, the site has transformed into a mini trading hub, largely due to the work and vision of women. Image showing women miners in Mazowe at work Migrant women miners and traders from neighboring countries have built a thriving, self-sustaining local economy. They've attracted tailors, food vendors, mobile money agents, and tool suppliers, many of whom are also women. These economic linkages closely resemble the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA): free movement of goods, services, and people, driven from the ground up. 'We've created a town around the mine,' says Chimwala, a Malawian cross-border trader. 'And it's women who keep it moving.' From Policy to Practice: Women Leading Integration While many national governments are still implementing continental frameworks like AfCFTA and the AU Free Movement of Persons Protocol, these women are already practicing them. The Free Movement Protocol encourages safe, legal mobility for workers and entrepreneurs. The AU Labour Migration Strategy promotes dignity, skills-building, and inclusion for migrants. The migrant women working Zimbabwe's mining fields embody all of this. They're not waiting for formal platforms, and they're building trade corridors with every exchange, creating jobs, transferring skills, and generating revenue. Infographic detailing migration routes to Zimbabwe Cooperation Over Competition: Women's Self-Regulated Systems With little external support, migrant women have developed cooperative models that manage risk, share resources, and enhance safety. These aren't aid-dependent groups, and they are investor-minded, self-regulating teams that fund tools, childcare, transport, and even community defense. A group of women who migrated from South Africa and settled in Bikita, Masvingo, have formed a viable mining enterprise and are now contributing to large platforms like the regional Alternative Mining Indaba. Some cooperatives have launched financial savings schemes; others run training sessions on mercury handling, pricing negotiations, and even basic bookkeeping. Women also engage in peer-to-peer mentoring, helping newcomers quickly get up to speed with mining techniques and navigate local authorities. Beyond Gold: Investing in Future Generations The benefits aren't limited to the women themselves. Many are channeling their earnings into education and assets for their children. In camps where women work, schools and clinics have begun to emerge, some supported by mining income. 'I used to sell tomatoes at a border post,' says Rose Phiri, a former trader turned miner. 'Now my daughter is in college. That's the power of a little gold and a lot of purpose.' Several cooperatives now support after-school study groups and youth savings accounts, planting the seeds of generational economic mobility. Women miners are also opening the door for younger generations to participate in safer, smarter ways. Young women and girls, who often watch their mothers lead cooperatives, are learning not only the value of hard work but also how to run businesses, manage money, and make strategic decisions. Some youth-focused projects in Penhalonga and Gwanda now include mentorship programs for daughters of miners, connecting them to STEM careers, journalism, and financial literacy. These investments are shaping an empowered, entrepreneurial generation. Strengthening Systems: Who's Supporting? Positive shifts are happening at multiple levels. The Zimbabwe Women's Microfinance Bank now extends loans to women in extractives, including migrants. The Zimbabwe School of Mines introduced outreach training for informal and cross-border workers. NGOs and development partners are launching safe mining toolkits and gender-smart resource hubs. Pilot projects by IOM and UN Women are exploring regional mining ID cards and legal aid clinics. These initiatives align well with the AU's migration and trade policies. What's needed now is further integration and funding to scale up. Moving gold Policy Catch-Up: Learning from the Ground While migrant women miners still face hurdles like documentation gaps, legal ambiguity, and safety concerns, they are not defined by these. They are already offering answers. Each challenge is met with innovation. These women are not waiting for reform — they are leading it. To fully harness this movement, policymakers must shift focus and recognize informal actors as legitimate economic participants. Shamva South legislator, Honourable Joseph Mapiki, who is also a committee member of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Mines, says it is imperative for policymakers to enact laws that promote women in mining and allow for easier access to the formalization of their work. Next Steps: Formalization and Mobility To strengthen the position of migrant women in Zimbabwe's mining sector and align national efforts with African Union frameworks, several forward-looking policy measures could be enacted, including domestication of the AU Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, ensuring that migrant workers, especially women in informal sectors can legally live and work across borders with secure documentation. This would reduce vulnerability and support regional integration. The introduction of simplified cross-border work permits for informal miners and traders, tied to cooperatives or mining syndicates, would provide legal recognition and enable safer, more stable mobility for thousands of women who are contributing to the economy. Recognition and formalisation of women-led cooperatives would help secure land use rights, expand access to finance, and elevate their contributions in artisanal and small-scale mining. Coupled with a gender-inclusive mining formalization strategy, these approaches would prioritize legal literacy, safety training, and youth mentorship, creating sustainable livelihoods across generations. Why Free Movement Matters The AU Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, if fully adopted and implemented across Africa, would allow women miners and traders to move legally and safely across borders without fear of detention, deportation, or discrimination. It would enable the creation of regional IDs, access to services, and formal recognition of economic contributions. Today, many migrant women miners operate without formal documentation, often in legal grey areas where they face harassment, extortion, or barriers to accessing basic services. Lack of mobility rights makes it difficult to scale businesses, attend regional training sessions, or formalize their activities. This undermines not only their productivity but also the broader goals of continental integration. Implementing the AU Free Movement Protocol would unlock access to formal trade corridors, cross-border banking, cooperative registration, and healthcare. It would also ease movement for cross-border traders who supply mining communities, allowing for greater economic diversity and resilience. Some women-led organizations are already advocating for these policy changes. Regional forums and networks are pushing for simplified visa processes, recognition of informal worker contributions, and protection mechanisms for mobile workers, especially women. Free movement supports human dignity. For women building economies across borders, it is the foundation that makes everything else possible. An Infographic on Free Movement While much of the spotlight has focused on how women have filled the gap left by migrating men, another story runs deeper, the story of migrant women themselves. Hailing from neighboring countries or displaced from rural regions within Zimbabwe, they are stepping into the mining sector with grit, skill, and vision. In the heart of Zimbabwe's gold belt, the rhythmic clang of pickaxes and the hum of sieves filtering through riverbeds signal more than just mining activity; it's the sound of economic transformation, driven by the unyielding hands of women. For years, mining was seen as a man's world, reserved for those who could brave the dangers of underground tunnels and unforgiving landscapes. But today, an increasing number of women are rewriting that narrative, claiming space, staking their claim in gold, and redefining what economic empowerment looks like from the ground up. Faith, once a hopeful newcomer with nothing but her child and a dream, now co-leads a cooperative of women miners in Mazowe. She trains others, supports her family, and is shaping the mining sector from the inside out. She mentors younger women who remind her of herself just a few years ago, scared but determined. She speaks at local cooperative meetings, helps negotiate tool-sharing agreements, and even began an informal childcare rotation that allows other mothers to work safely. 'People used to look at me with pity,' she says, laughing. 'Now they come to me for advice.' Faith's journey is no longer just a personal triumph. It's a blueprint, a living example of how migration, when supported and recognized, can unlock human potential. Her story weaves together many threads: resilience, risk-taking, economic innovation, and generational change. Their hands may be dusty, but their vision is clear: a thriving, integrated, people-powered economy where women are not just included, but leading. They are not merely moving to survive. They are moving to shape. In the gold-rich hills of Mazowe, the riverbanks of Penhalonga, and the fields of Bikita, these women are doing more than mining. They are building the Africa the AU imagined – one border, one gram, one cooperative at a time. These women are not waiting for systems to change. They are the system change. In their movement lies momentum; In their labor lies leadership, and in their gold lies a different kind of wealth — one measured not just in minerals, but in dignity, agency, and legacy. This is not just a story about mining. It's a story about power, moving through hands that have learned how to hold a shovel and a vision at the same time. © Copyright The Zimbabwean. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Khaleej Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Exclusive: Inside the life of Jaipur royal Gauravi Kumari
It's a bright sunny morning at the Jaipur City Palace and a busy day for Princess Gauravi Kumari. The daughter of Princess Diya Kumari and granddaughter of Rajmata Padmini Devi of the Jaipur royal family, Gauravi is championing women's empowerment and is a global brand ambassador for brands like Jimmy Choo and Kama Ayurveda. With her focus on The Palace Atelier and Princess Diya Kumari Foundation (PDKF), she's breaking the mould and setting new standards. Gauravi invites us into her majestic world where she talks about her love for work, charm of living in Jaipur, and her unfiltered life as a royal, which is unlike anything you will see in movies or streaming shows. 'My usual days are quite like anyone else's! I like to start my mornings with some time alone. It's a chance to gather my thoughts before stepping into the day,' she told wknd. 'From there, it's typically straight into meetings and work. I try to spend time every day at Badal Mahal, the headquarters of the PDKF. It's where I work closely with our teams and the incredible women artisans. We're currently focused on developing new collections and strategising for PDKF's Artisan Collective,' she said. 'We're also planning some shoots for upcoming The Palace Atelier collections, so we've been busy with recces across the city.' After growing up in Jaipur, Gauravi went abroad for higher studies. She cherishes the independence and growth that came with stepping out of her comfort zone. 'One of the things I cherish most about growing up in Jaipur was the sense of space — physical and emotional. There was always room to explore, to imagine, and to be close to nature and culture at the same time,' she said. 'Spending time with my siblings and family profoundly shaped who I've become and what I stand for.' 'Going to boarding school was one of the best decisions my parents made for me — it made me independent and confident, and helped me discover my passions,' Gauravi said. 'New York was also a humbling experience, and it's such an intensely creative city. I was amazed by how many people would work tirelessly to bring their creative vision to life. It was a creative playground, and that's where I first translated my interests — fashion, art, and design — into something tangible, because I was surrounded by so many people doing just that.' After completing her studies, Gauravi returned to her hometown and embraced royal responsibilities. She's deeply rooted in culture and her core strength is her grounded approach and extensive work towards the empowerment of women artisans and Indian craft. Interests and responsibilities 'I'm fortunate that my responsibilities and personal interests are deeply aligned. Whether it's working on heritage conservation, women's empowerment, or cultural preservation, these aren't duties, they're passions,' she said. 'That said, I do think it's important to create space for yourself beyond work. I find joy in small rituals like spending time with friends, reading, taking walks, or even just enjoying a quiet evening at home. It helps me stay centred.' Some days she's hustling between shoots, interviews, brand endorsements and royal duties and engagements, and other days, Gauravi is the girl-next-door indulging in the small joys of life. So, how does she unwind after a long day? 'Without question, spending time with my family, including my pets; those quiet, shared moments really help me recharge,' she said. Gauravi's global experiences have broadened her horizons, but it's one person in particular who has left an indelible mark on her perspective and approach to life. 'My mother. She's been an unwavering source of strength — quietly powerful, deeply compassionate, and a remarkable visionary. She initiated PDKF at a time when women's empowerment in our region wasn't a commonly spoken phrase. Her focus on skill-building and creating real change, not just symbolic gestures, has stayed with me. She's shown me what leadership looks like,' she said. As a member of the Jaipur royal family, Gauravi is involved in various initiatives aimed at preserving cultural heritage and promoting community welfare. She is hopeful that these efforts will inspire pride and ownership among people, leading to a positive transformation in society. Soon, she turns towards what makes her proud. 'Two of the projects I'm most proud of are The Palace Atelier and PDKF,' Gauravi said. 'Both are centred on similar principles: championing artistry, creating opportunities, and bridging heritage with relevance. Having grown up in an environment where we see, and feel, the stories behind every piece of heritage, it's so important to me to be able to use my platform to share those stories with others — those stories are what make our culture so special. I'm also drawn to initiatives that make heritage feel alive, not distant.' She explained what drives her to these passion projects. 'Whether that's exhibitions, storytelling projects, or collaborations that merge craft with modern design — it's all about keeping tradition vibrant and accessible, and making sure it supports real lives. Since its inception, PDKF has supported over 10,000 women and girls across Rajasthan, which is unbelievable. With projects focused on education access, upskilling, craft training, and more, we're so proud of how we've been able to help women from lower-income communities overcome the economic, social, and cultural barriers they face. We have several new projects coming up over the next few years as well, we have no plans of slowing down.' An icon of style, simplicity and elegance, Gauravi is everyone's (Indian and international) favourite brand representative. She gracefully juggles multiple endorsements that align with her style. 'My style is rooted in comfort; each piece I wear reflects something about who I am or where I come from. I've always been interested in fashion and that's why I treat clothing with intention; every piece I wear must be special to me,' she said, adding that her family influences her on this count. 'I've always been inspired by the effortless grace of my mother, grandmother, and Maharani Gayatri Devi. It's less about trends and more about authenticity, ease, and a connection to my roots.' While Indian fashion is fast-evolving and global brands are taking keen interest in the country and its craft, Gauravi and her team are working hard to ensure the artisans are given their due credit. 'It all starts with credit and access,' she says. 'Our artisans are the true keepers of heritage. If the world is turning to India for inspiration, it's essential that people at the grassroots benefit directly from this attention. That means not just visibility, but real agency — platforms where artisans can showcase their work on their own terms, mentorship that honours their craft, and investments that let traditions evolve. PDKF's Artisan Collective is something I'm very proud of; it's a model for how we can empower artisans meaningfully.' Royal families have been working to maintain their culture and heritage, and she believes the platform can make a positive difference when it comes to carrying forward the legacy. 'I see this as a chance to be a custodian of people, stories, and heritage. I've never viewed legacy as something static; it grows and gains meaning when nurtured with care and purpose,' she said. 'Whether it's shining a light on artisans preserving centuries-old techniques or supporting women finding their voice in remote parts of the country, my role is to help build pathways that allow both people and tradition to flourish, side by side,' she said. As a royal, Gauravi feels lucky to have grown up around impactful women who taught her practical life lessons. And it's this upbringing and rootedness that inspires her. 'I have always been surrounded by strong, enigmatic women, each with their own sense of purpose and quiet strength. That gave me a deep sense of self early on,' she said. 'To every girl and woman who looks up to me, I'd say, build a life that feels true to who you are. Surround yourself with people and ideas that challenge and uplift you. And know that you are allowed to evolve — again and again.'
Zawya
7 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Gulf Bank continues driving women's empowerment with WOW program
As part of its ongoing commitment to women's empowerment and fostering an inclusive workplace, Gulf Bank recently organized a series of events under its Women of Wisdom (WOW) program. The events, attended by numerous female leaders and employees, aimed to support women both professionally and personally. The leadership session titled 'The Elegant Power: How Women Lead with Strength and Warmth,' was held at Gulf Bank's training center in Crystal Tower. The session was facilitated by Dina Al-Waheab, a organizational psychologist, executive coach, and founder of DEEP Consulting and SpeakUp Kuwait. The session focused on the importance of balancing assertiveness and warmth in female leadership by exploring the psychological and physiological factors that influence leadership behaviors. Key topics included the unique pressures women face in the workplace, the impact of mental health and hormones on leadership style, and practical tools to boost confidence and leadership presence. Another engaging session titled 'Speak Your Brand' was delivered by renowned coach and consultant Rehab Al-Tawari, which drew strong engagement from early career employees across various departments. The session emphasized the power of personal branding in the workplace and encouraged employees to own their narratives, communicate with confidence, and align their values with their professional goals. In addition, Gulf Bank launched a new wellness initiative for female employees called 'Her Balance', designed to promote work-life balance through regular Pilates Reformer and Barre sessions. This wellness experience supports both physical and mental health. 'Her Balance' also provides an excellent opportunity for employees to connect with colleagues beyond the workplace, fostering teamwork, inclusion, and positivity within the work environment. peaking about the sessions, Mr. Hamed AlTamimi, Assistant General Manager – Human Resources at Gulf Bank said: 'At Gulf Bank, we believe that a thriving workplace culture is one where employees feel seen, supported, and inspired. Through the Women of Wisdom (WOW) program, we're creating intentional spaces for dialogue, development, and connection empowering women across all stages of their careers to grow, lead, and shape our culture….' He added; 'These initiatives reflect Gulf Bank's clear strategic commitment to supporting female talent and creating a healthy, motivating work environment that enhances productivity and job satisfaction. They also align with the Bank's broader efforts to advance diversity, inclusion, and build a balanced, sustainable corporate culture'. Launched in 2017, the Women of Wisdom (WOW) program is a flagship internal initiative aimed at empowering women within the Bank and the wider community. It supports women's career growth and leadership ambitions through monthly gatherings that discuss topics related to work-life balance and professional development.
Zawya
01-08-2025
- Business
- Zawya
WomenIN Ignites Women's Month with the Launch of a Bold Multi-Sectoral Campaign and Countdown to WomenIN Festival 2025
As South Africa marks the beginning of Women's Month this August, WomenIN proudly launches a dedicated, multi-sectoral campaign designed to spotlight the everyday advocacy required to shift the narrative around women's empowerment. While Women's Month may be a moment of national focus, WomenIN champions the belief that true empowerment is not confined to a single month — it's a daily, ongoing commitment to advocacy, collaboration, and change. This campaign is more than a celebration — it's a call to action, uniting voices across energy, mobility, mining, retail, customer experience, tech, green economy, and beyond. It sets the stage for the highly anticipated WomenIN Festival 2025, taking place in Cape Town on the 13th and 14th of November, under the theme: LIMITLESS: NO LABELS. NO LIMITS. NO APOLOGIES. She's not fitting in — she's standing out, showing up, and shaking the world. A celebration of authenticity, boldness, and multidimensional brilliance. Throughout August and into the months that follow, WomenIN will roll out collaborative activations, workshops, dialogues, and digital campaigns in partnership with leading organizations, changemakers, and grassroots initiatives that are tackling the toughest issues facing women today — from economic inequality to gender-based violence. 'This work is personal. It's not just a campaign, it's our calling,' says Naz Fredericks-Maharaj, Director of the WomenIN Portfolio. 'We know that real impact is not created by ticking boxes in August, but by showing up every single day. And yet, during this symbolic month, we rise even higher, because the challenges facing women demand nothing less.' The WomenIN team, led by a collective of women who themselves have broken barriers across industries, is working tirelessly — often behind the scenes and often against the odds — to bring this movement to life. 'While this journey is often challenging, it's our purpose and passion that fuels us,' adds Naz Fredericks-Maharaj, Director of the WomenIN Portfolio , 'Every day, we are connecting with organizations, finalizing partnerships, and laying the groundwork for something truly transformative. Our WomenIN Festival will be the heartbeat of this mission — but the build-up is where the real change begins.' Already, strategic partnerships are being launched and announced. Many of these partners are NPOs and impact-driven organizations actively addressing systemic challenges and building tangible solutions for women across South Africa and the continent. These alliances underscore WomenIN's deep commitment to cross-sectoral collaboration, accountability, and long-term sustainability. With the stage set for a powerful Women's Month, WomenIN invites all women, male allies, and stakeholders to join the movement — to rise, to speak, to collaborate, and to break through the barriers that remain. Stay connected, stay inspired, and get ready to stand with us at the WomenIN Festival this November. Because empowerment isn't a moment. It's a movement. Whether you've followed us from the beginning or you're only just discovering our work, this is your invitation to join a growing network of changemakers who are louder together, braver together — and better together. Visit to get your ticket, sponsor someone else's, or explore partnership opportunities. Come as you are. Leave ignited. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group. Additional Information: Contact the team: About WomenIN (WiN): Empowering Women, Breaking Barriers, Creating Impact: WomenIN is a powerful cross-sector movement that connects, inspires, and uplifts women across Africa through collaboration, leadership, and sustainable development. From energy and mobility to retail, gaming, and the green economy, WiN is driving real change by building inclusive ecosystems where women can thrive. Through a range of in-person gatherings, digital content, workshops, and sector-specific initiatives, WomenIN provides a trusted platform for female professionals, entrepreneurs, changemakers, and allies to grow together, break silos, and co-create solutions for Africa's future. With a strong focus on capacity building, leadership development, and market access for female-owned businesses, WomenIN is building a legacy of impact for generations to come. Whether you're a corporate, NPO, SMME, or individual changemaker, there is space for you at the table—because we win when we WiN together. For more information, please visit: About VUKA Group: VUKA Group brings people and organisations together to connect with information and each other in meaningful conversations that drive growth and transformation across Africa's industries. With 20+ years of experience on the continent, the group delivers sector-leading platforms across Energy, Mining, Smart Mobility, Transport, Retail, and Women Empowerment. The WomenIN (WiN) portfolio is a flagship initiative of VUKA Group, championing gender inclusivity and creating opportunities for women to lead, influence, and innovate across sectors. With a proudly African team and a commitment to sustainable development, VUKA is creating a future where everyone has the opportunity to rise. Learn more at:
