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In Zimbabwe, a women-only gem mine gives abuse survivors new hope
BY FARAI SHAWN MATAISHE
At first glance the Zimbaqua mine in Zimbabwe looks normal: a series of shallow craters dotted with workers in overalls and hard hats toiling to unearth the treasures below.
But a closer look reveals something unusual. In an industry dominated by men, everyone working to unearth prized aquamarine gems from the yellow soil is a woman.
“I no longer have to bother the father of my children because I am paying school fees for the two of my children who are in primary school,” said Shupi Kabudura, 33, who became a miner after fleeing an abusive husband with her three children.
“I also buy essentials such as clothes and food.”
Kabudura is among about 25 women employed by Zimbaqua, which bills itself as the first mining firm in Africa to be staffed entirely by women.
Many are forging a new life with each other’s support after escaping abuse such as rape, domestic abuse or forced marriage.
About one in five Zimbabwean women said they had suffered violence from their partner in the previous year, found an official 2015 survey, and child marriage remains rife despite being outlawed by the Constitutional Court in 2016.
Women in rural areas are often forced to remain in violent marriages because they rely on their husbands financially, said Rumbidzai Gwinji, a mine manager at Zimbaqua, which is located in the farming area of Karoi in northern Zimbabwe.
“This project has become a solution to women in such situations,” she said.
“It has given them choice over the environment and lifestyle they want for not only themselves, but also for their children.”
OUTNUMBERED AND ABUSED
Zimbaqua was opened in 2019 by Iver Rosenkrantz, a Danish gem expert who has lived in Africa for more than 15 years, and Zimbabwean Patrick Tendayi Zindoga.
“This (firm) came after realising that women are not given the same opportunity as men, especially in the mining sector,” said Gwinji.
Zimbaqua’s workers dig for the mine’s rich deposits of aquamarine, a pale blue to light green gem that is highly prized by jewellery designers and collectors around the world.
It is hard labour. The women use hammers to break up rocks and reveal the aquamarine, which is easily visible due to its bright colour shining out from the surrounding stone.
In return, they get a decent salary equivalent to about $295 per month.
But they are outliers in an industry that is overwhelmingly staffed by men.
Women make up about 10 percent of the country’s artisanal and small-scale miners, found a 2016 report by the Pact Institute, a Washington D.C.-based development nonprofit.
Neighbouring South Africa’s mining industry has a similar gender disparity, although the number of women in the industry is growing.
“Women are few in the mining industry due to challenges they face, including verbal abuse and labelling from male counterparts who believe they are of the weaker sex,” said Kundai Chikonzo, founder of the Insiza Women In Mining Trust.
Men often do not allow their wives to work as miners, said Chikonzo, and women lack equal opportunities for promotions.
Projects to get more women into the industry can improve women’s prospects and boost the wider economy too, she added.
‘SAFE HAVEN’
Zimbaqua staff said their jobs had given them financial independence and new hope after they escaped abuse.
Miner Paidamoyo Kuronga, 21, said she had struggled to make ends meet as a single mother to a young daughter until she learned about opportunities at Zimbaqua.
“I was so excited to get my first ever job,” she said.
Now, she is considering returning to school for a mining-related course to further her career in the industry.
Gwinji said the mine is working on plans for a daycare centre close to the mine for the children of employees.
New mothers working at Zimbaqua are given three months’ maternity leave on full pay and get regular breastfeeding breaks when they return, she added.
Workers at Zimbaqua said the mine not only had offered them a fresh start, but represents a beacon of hope for others hoping to escape domestic abuse.
“I know there are other women out there who are experiencing (gender-based violence). I hope our company will grow so that more women can come to this safe haven,” said Kabudura. – Thomson Reuters Foundation
BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI
Blessing Waison and Fortunate Chidzivo took top honors at the 2025 Econet Victoria Falls Marathon yesterday, as Zimbabwean long-distance runners excelled at Africa’s most prestigious road race.
Econet General Manager – Marketing, Mrs Tariro Muchena (left), and Finance Director, Mr Chengeto Moyo, present the winner’s prize to men’s marathon champion, Blessing Waison, at the 2025 Econet Victoria Falls Marathon, while Victoria Falls Mayor, Mr Prince Moyo, looks on
The event, which featured athletes from over 40 countries, saw Waison storm to victory in the men’s full marathon, clocking 2 hours, 13 minutes, and 16 seconds. He narrowly beat decorated Olympian Isaac Mpofu in a thrilling duel that brought thousands of spectators to their feet.
Godwin Katakura followed closely in third, completing an all-Zimbabwean podium sweep in the 42.2km race. The trio’s success came with bigger rewards this year, after Econet Wireless doubled the total prize purse to $50,000.
Waison walked away with $3,000, while Mpofu and Katakura earned $2,000 and $1,500, respectively.
In the women’s marathon, Chidzivo delivered a commanding performance, clocking 2 hours and 42 minutes to claim another major title in her illustrious career. Ethel Pangiso and Phillipa Dube completed the women’s podium in second and third place, respectively.
Rising star Wayne Kabondo turned heads in the men’s 21km half marathon, overcoming a formidable field to finish in 1 hour, 3 minutes, and 44 seconds. Kabondo pocketed $1,500 for his efforts.
In the women’s 21km race, Caroline Mhandu crossed the line in 1 hour, 17 minutes, and 50 seconds, ahead of Miriam Sibanda and Melody Kaseke.
The marathon’s inclusive spirit was evident in the 18km Specially Abled Races, which saw uplifting performances across different categories. Godknows Hamadziripi claimed the men’s tricycle title, while Samson Muroyiwa won the handcycle event.
Among the women, Stella Jongwe triumphed in the handcycle race, and Ratidzo Tomu took first position in the tricycle category.
Organized by Econet Wireless in partnership with Wild Horizons, the 2025 edition drew over 5,000 participants and spectators from more than 40 countries. The marathon route, widely regarded as Africa’s most scenic, winds through game reserves and offers spectacular views of the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls.
https://x.com/vic_falls_live/status/1941861569450725776?s=46
Beyond the races, this year’s event featured live music, traditional dance, health expos, and community wellness activities.
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