WiM-Africa empowers 100 female geoscience students

Women in Mining Africa (WiM Africa), in collaboration with its implementing partner, Richflood Foundation, has empowered 100 female geoscience students with a N2.5 million grant.

The organisation also launched the groundbreaking “NextGen Women in Mining” Initiative, designed to inspire and support young women across Africa in pursuing careers in the mining industry.

Speaking at the event in Abuja over the weekend, the Executive Director of WiM Africa, Dr Comfort Asokoro-Ogaji, said the initiative aimed to build capacity, address gender disparities, and provide financial support to female students pursuing mining-related courses in universities and polytechnics.

Asokoro-Ogaji said: “The stories of these young women are both touching and inspiring. Despite the odds, they have chosen to break barriers and pursue their passion for mining.

“Our goal is to continue supporting them, not just financially but also through mentorship and capacity building, to help them become leaders in the industry.”

The initiative’s pilot phase was launched in Northern Nigeria, where over 250 applications were received from female students between the ages 18 and 25 studying mining-related disciplines. After a rigorous selection process, 100 young women were shortlisted and awarded a grant of N25,000 each.