Mali Forum Focuses on Economic Inclusion of Women and Girls in Artisanal Mining

The Association internationale des femmes du Mali (AIFMA) recently organized a national forum in Bamako to discuss the socio-economic inclusion of women and girls involved in artisanal gold mining. The event, held on November 6-7, 2026, brought together stakeholders from the mining sector, authorities, and partners to explore ways to support these women and girls. The forum's theme was "Local content and insertion of women and girls in artisanal mining."

The forum highlighted the challenges faced by women and girls in artisanal mining areas, including poverty, limited access to education, and lack of job opportunities. These factors often lead to exploitation, health risks, and violence against women and girls. The forum also emphasized the environmental consequences of certain mining practices, such as land degradation and water pollution.

AIFMA President Bibata Diakité stressed that the wealth generated from gold mining should benefit local communities, particularly women and girls. She called for collective action to protect and empower these women and girls, providing them with sustainable livelihoods and education opportunities. Diakité emphasized that the goal is not only to remove women and girls from mining sites but also to offer them viable alternatives.

The forum featured testimony from young girls involved in artisanal mining, who shared their experiences and highlighted the need for concrete solutions to address their challenges. The event also included a delegation from Guinea, which expressed its support for the initiative and emphasized the historical ties between the two countries.

The AIFMA forum aimed to promote the inclusion of women and girls in mining policies and development programs. The organization seeks to ensure that gold mining benefits local communities and provides them with better economic prospects and protection.

Key outcomes from the forum included a call for increased protection and support for women and girls in artisanal mining, as well as the development of alternative income-generating activities. The event also underscored the importance of environmental preservation and climate change mitigation in mining areas.

The AIFMA initiative reflects a broader effort to address the social and economic challenges associated with artisanal mining in Mali. By promoting the inclusion of women and girls in the sector, the organization aims to contribute to more equitable and sustainable development outcomes.

Key points

• The AIFMA forum highlighted the need for sustainable livelihoods and education opportunities for women and girls involved in artisanal gold mining.
• The event emphasized the importance of environmental preservation and climate change mitigation in mining areas.
• The initiative aims to promote the inclusion of women and girls in mining policies and development programs.