Stakeholders in the mining sector have been urged to empower women in the industry by exposing them to economic opportunities, training, and information that can drive growth in Nigeria's mining sector.

Regina Solomon, Programme Manager of the non-governmental organisation (NGO) Center for Gender Economics in Africa (CGEA), made the call during a one-day training workshop for over 50 women in mining held in Ilorin, the state capital.

The workshop, themed "Empowering Women in Mining to Understand Climate Change Impacts and Advocate for Nigeria's Energy Transition," aimed to equip participants with knowledge to navigate industry challenges and influence policy.

Ms Solomon stated: "This programme is designed to highlight economic opportunities in mining while providing women with the tools and training needed to succeed. Your participation demonstrates the resolve of women in the sector to thrive and lead discussions on climate resilience and Nigeria's energy future."

She also said, "This training is designed to help deepen our understanding of how climate change affects small-scale mining, and how the ongoing shift towards renewable energy opens new opportunities for women in the mining sector."

On her part, the facilitator of the programme CEO, Olive Community Development Initiative (OCDI), Mrs Oluwatoni Adeleke, explained that the workshop will benefit the women to learn to speak in one voice, and advocate for their right to get support from the government for their needs.

"This will make them become leaders in the energy sector, learn about the new minerals in demand, access resources and reach out to organizations that can help," she added.

Speaking, the permanent secretary, Kwara state ministry of Solid Minerals, Ishiaq Yinka Olokooba stated that, "women-in-mining in Kwara state started in 2021 and has helped in reshaping both skilled and unskilled women in the mining sector.

He said, "Mining has long being pillar of economic growth in Nigeria and across Africa. Women often working in small scale artisanal and community-based mining have been an invisible yet vital part of this sector especially in hard washing of minerals and crushing of stones."