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VOL. 6, ISSUE 2 (2024)
Examining the effects of artisanal and small-scale mining on women and children in Kono and Bo Districts of Sierra Leone
Authors
Billy S Abimbilla, Attridge Mwelwa
Abstract
Low-technology, labour-intensive mineral extraction and processing, of
mostly gold and diamonds, commonly referred to as ASM (ASM) offers employment
opportunities to so many families in Sierra Leone. ASM is a major non-farm,
mostly off-season activity that is a vital source of income to people in the
rural areas. This study, which was conducted in the Kono and Bo districts,
sought to examine the effects of ASM on women and children as a group. It used
a qualitative case study to collect primary data and conducted unstructured
individual interviews and held focus group discussions with men, women and
children of these communities, employing the purposive sampling approach. Women
and children are often poorly paid, discriminated against, suffer sexual and gender-based
violence and get injured or sick doing the activities but lack redress systems
to support them. ASM is also a contributory cause to land degradation,
pollution of water bodies and brings in its wake social problems. However,
income from their participation in the ASM or ASM-related activities offer
valuable sources of livelihoods for their families, significantly contributes
to maintaining children in school, increases the dignity of women through their
contribution to family expenditure and supports in meeting other needs. The
study found that the factors working against women and children in ASM also
result from cultural practices, traditional beliefs and gendered and
generational norms that are reinforced by gendered institutions. ASM in Sierra
Leone still operates mostly in the shadows and is often illegal and
unregulated, the benefits of which go to the traditional rulers, landowners,
financiers and some government officials. This study recommends reviewing and
reforming the legal, policy, regulatory and institutional systems with a view
to making ASM legal and regulated so as to 1) raise revenue from its operations
through taxes 2) protect the rights of the workers involved in the ASM
activities, 3) disrupt the informal arrangements that benefit only a privileged
few and 4) contribute to meeting the SDG targets.
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Pages:12-20
How to cite this article:
Billy S Abimbilla, Attridge Mwelwa "Examining the effects of artisanal and small-scale mining on women and children in Kono and Bo Districts of Sierra Leone". International Journal of Educational Research and Studies, Vol 6, Issue 2, 2024, Pages 12-20
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