The Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, Uwimana Consolée, is encouraging women and girls to venture into the mining sector, as it is one of the fastest growing and highest earning sectors in the country.
The mining sector is one of the key contributors to Rwanda’s national development. Statistics from the National Institute of Statistics show that in January 2025, Rwanda’s precious minerals production grew by 4.3% compared to January 2024. This comes as the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board announced that the mining and quarrying sector recorded significant growth in the first quarter of 2026, rising by 20%.
Diane Mukaremera is a woman who took the bold step of entering the mining sector, a field traditionally dominated by men, and currently works at Rutongo Mines in Rulindo District. Having worked in mining for four years, she says what pushed her to take that step was the desire to provide a better life for her family.
She said: “What made me take the courage to go and apply for a mining job was the situation I was in. I have a family and it needs to survive, so I could not just sit without a job. That is what pushed me to go and apply, I was lucky to get it and it made me happy.”
Diane says that since she started working in mining, she carries out her duties with dedication and has never felt discouraged because of being a woman.
She said: “At six thirty in the morning I am already at work. After the morning briefing we go straight into the mine. Once inside, if you need to break a rock, you do it without hesitation , you don’t say you’re a woman. You pick up the hammer and use effort and strength to get results, and when I don’t give up I get them and in good quantity.”
However, Diane Mukaremera notes that mining work requires a calm and focused mind, because without that, accidents can happen.
She said: “The most important thing this job demands is that you are mentally calm, at peace, with no stress, because you cannot go into that place, the mine , carrying problems, because if you go in with problems you will have an accident. That is why a person must go in calm and settled within themselves. If you feel unsettled, it is better to ask for permission and take the day off.”
The Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion says women should be encouraged to venture into the mining sector as it would help them further improve their livelihoods given the opportunities available in that field.
Minister Uwimana Consolée said: “We are encouraging women to enter the mining profession because it is one that generates income quickly. This would help them advance and have an economy that allows them to support their families well.”
The Ministry also noted that employers in the mining sector should put in place measures that make it easier for women to work there comfortably, taking into account their physical needs, as this will increase their productivity.
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