Women’s participation in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) in Tanzania, and particularly in Mwakitolyo village in Shinyanga District, remains significantly constrained by deep-rooted cultural norms and societal beliefs. These persistent barriers highlight the need for more focused research to understand their causes and impacts, and to guide targeted interventions aimed at enhancing women’s inclusion in the sector.

This study, conducted in Mwakitolyo village, examined these barriers through the following research questions:

1. What are the key cultural norms and societal beliefs in Mwakitolyo that limit women’s participation in gold mining activities?
2. What are the economic and social consequences of limiting women’s participation in gold mining in Mwakitolyo?
3. What strategies or interventions can help overcome the barriers restricting women’s involvement in gold mining in Mwakitolyo?

A qualitative research design was adopted, including key informant interviews, in-depth semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and direct observation. A total of 50 unique respondents participated in this study, including women miners, women in support businesses, male miners, and local stakeholders such as local government leaders and civil society representatives.

The study reveals that major barriers to women’s participation in ASGM in Mwakitolyo is rooted in cultural myths surrounding menstruation and pregnancy, traditional gender stereotypes, and

Sukuma cultural norms that emphasize women’s roles as primary caregivers. These beliefs and expectations limit women’s ability to take part in more profitable and physically demanding mining roles, which are often reserved for men. In addition, structural economic challenges such as limited access to mining equipment, capital, and credit further restrict women’s capacity to engage meaningfully in income-generating mining activities in Mwakitolyo.

The marginalization of women in mining exacerbates existing economic and gender inequalities, limits their economic empowerment, and increases their vulnerability to poverty. Furthermore, women’s limited representation in decision-making processes perpetuates their exclusion and inhibits inclusive development within the local mining economy.

Despite these challenges, the study identified promising strategies to support women’s greater involvement in ASGM. These include: (1) the implementation of community sensitization and awareness programs to address prevailing beliefs and stereotypes, and (2) the provision of training in technical skills, entrepreneurship, and business management to equip women for more productive and independent participation in mining.

To further increase women’s participation, the study recommends coordinated efforts focused on education and awareness-raising, capacity building, support for women’s networks, and expanded access to financial services and mining equipment.

In conclusion, addressing socio-cultural, economic, and institutional barriers to women’s participation in mining is essential not only for promoting gender equality but also for supporting the sustainable development of Mwakitolyo’s mining sector and the broader community. Fostering a more inclusive environment where women can actively participate in all aspects of gold mining will enhance economic outcomes for women and their households and contribute to more equitable and resilient local development.