This publication is part of IPIS’ Voices from Tanzania series and its edition on “The participation and inclusion of women in Tanzania’s extractive sector”.
In their Voices from Tanzania study Civic Social Protection Foundation (CSP) examines the socioeconomic and health challenges encountered by women miners in Mirerani and provides actionable insights to inform policies that promote their well-being, economic mobility and empowerment.
Tanzanite, a rare and valuable gemstone found only in Mirerani, holds significant economic potential for Tanzania. Yet systematic barriers, entrenched discrimination and restrictive societal norms exclude women from fully sharing in tanzanite’s wealth and perpetuate cycles of poverty.
Drawing on a mixed-methods study – including structured surveys with 26 women miners – the findings reveal sharp disparities in work roles and income between women and men. Women remain concentrated in informal, auxiliary roles, such as gem sorting, carrying materials, and food vending, and tend to earn less than half of what men make.
The study identifies and contextualizes key barriers rooted in marginalization, low education, limited training, inadequate healthcare, and restricted access to finance. Moreover, the 2018 construction of a wall around the Mirerani mines – intended to curb illegal mining and strengthen state oversight – created yet another barrier for women, as few hold official permits or recognized roles. In response, women have adopted coping strategies such as relying on social networks and joining savings groups, but these are not enough, with many forced to cut essential spending for their families.
The report underscores the urgent need for policies that promote gender equity in mining and align with the Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 5 on Gender Equality and SDG 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth.
The recommendations
Civic Social Protection Foundation (CSP) is a Tanzanian non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting social and economic justice for marginalized communities. Established in 2007 (originally as MACSNET) and re-registered in 2019 under its current name, CSP advocates for inclusive development, gender equality, and strengthened social protection systems
throughout Tanzania.
This publication has been produced with the financial assistance of the Belgian Directorate- General for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid (DGD). The contents of this document can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the Belgian Development Cooperation.
The publication does not represent IPIS’ research or views. It is based on the surveys and analyses conducted by Tanzanian civil society organisations and solely belongs to them.
