22 Sept 2023
With Africa being rich in gemstone deposits and precious metals, there is immense potential for individuals, particularly women and youth, to tap into the lucrative gemstones market through value addition initiatives. By adding value to raw gemstones through cutting, polishing, and crafting jewelry, women miners and young entrepreneurs can unlock new economic opportunities and contribute to local and national development.
London, UK - The Initiative for Women Miners in Africa (IWoMA) is calling upon women miners and youths across the continent to consider engaging in gemstones value addition endeavors, citing the abundance of gemstones and precious metals found in various African regions.
With Africa being rich in gemstone deposits and precious metals, there is immense potential for individuals, particularly women and youth, to tap into the lucrative gemstones market through value addition initiatives. By adding value to raw gemstones through cutting, polishing, and crafting jewelry, women miners and young entrepreneurs can unlock new economic opportunities and contribute to local and national development.
Dr. Comfort Asokoro-Ogaji, Executive Director of IWoMA, emphasized the importance of promoting gemstones value addition endeavors among women miners and youths. "The gemstones industry presents a promising avenue for economic empowerment, especially for women and young people. By adding value to raw gemstones, we can create jobs, generate income, and support sustainable development across Africa," she stated.
IWoMA encourages women miners and youths to explore training programs, workshops, and capacity-building initiatives focused on gemstones value addition. By acquiring skills and knowledge in gemstone cutting, polishing, jewelry making, and marketing, individuals can capitalize on the growing demand for high-quality gemstone products both locally and internationally.
Furthermore, IWoMA highlights the importance of fostering partnerships and collaboration among stakeholders, including government agencies, mining associations, industry experts, and financial institutions, to support women and youth involvement in gemstones value addition ventures.
As Africa continues to emerge as a major player in the global gemstones market, IWoMA remains committed to empowering women miners and youths to seize the opportunities presented by the gemstones industry. Through advocacy, capacity building, and strategic partnerships, IWoMA aims to catalyze inclusive growth and prosperity in the mining sector across the continent.
For more information about IWoMA and its initiatives, please visit [website].
Contact:
Dr. Comfort Asokoro-Ogaji
Executive Director Initiative for Women Miners in Africa (IWoMA)
Email: ed@iwoma.org