Survival of Women Living in Mining-affected Communities Affected Workshop
Zanele Matonsi
By: Zanele Matonsi
Survival of Women Living in Mining-affected Communities Affected Workshop
The workshop on the Survival of Women Living in Mine-affected communities held at Allen Farm was a powerful and inspiring gathering hosted by Mphahleni Creations in collaboration with IhawuLezwe Social Movement, and supported by the Benchmarks Foundation. The purpose of the workshop was to create a safe space for women to share their lived experiences, explore challenges brought by mining activities in their communities, and find collective solutions that can lead to empowerment and resilience.
A total of nine women attended the session, engaging actively in discussions that touched on social, economic, and environmental issues affecting their livelihoods. The workshop not only focuses on dialogue but also included a skills development session on handcrafted earrings and beadwork, aimed at equipping participants with practical skills for income generation.
The outcomes of this workshop have been deeply encouraging. Inspired by the experience, the participating women have since formed a local beading group. They now meet regularly in the afternoons to continue practicing and improving their craft, producing beautiful handmade jewelry for sale within their community. This initiative marks a significant step towards financial independence and self-reliance for these women, many of whom previously faced limited economic opportunities.
As the facilitator and founder of Mphahleni Creations, I am extremely proud of the outcomes of this workshop. It has proven that when women are given space, skills, and support, they can transform their circumstances and uplift others around them. The Allen Farm workshop stands as a true example of community driven empowerment, where creativity and collaboration have become tools for survival, healing, and change. Thank u Benchmarks foundation for supporting this initiative. This will have a great impact in our local economy, and also help the woman to sustain their livelihoods.
