The oil, gas and mining sectors are important to the economies of Mozambique and Angola. They generate substantial revenues for the governments and create jobs. However, these sectors are also sources of discrimination and violence against women. Women are under-represented in the oil, gas and mining sectors. In Mozambique, they account for just 10% of the workforce in these sectors. In Angola, they account for just 15%.
This under-representation is due to a number of factors:
- Social and cultural norms: women are often considered less capable than men of working in these sectors, which are seen as dangerous and difficult.
- Lack of education and training: women have less access to education and training than men, making them less competitive on the job market.
- Discrimination: women are often discriminated against in the workplace, which discourages them from applying for jobs in these sectors.
Visit the World Bank updated Gender Data Portal for Mozambique and Angola:
- https://genderdata.worldbank.org/countries/mozambique
- https://genderdata.worldbank.org/countries/angola
Women working in the oil, gas and mining sectors are subjected to discrimination and violence. They frequently experience sexual harassment, wage discrimination and unfair dismissal. For example, a study carried out in Mozambique revealed that 60% of women working in the oil sector had experienced sexual harassment. Another study, carried out in Angola, revealed that 50% of women working in the mining sector were subjected to wage discrimination. Women are also facing physical violence. They are often beaten, injured and raped.
Discrimination and violence against women working in the oil, gas and mining sectors have negative consequences on their lives. They lead to mental health problems, financial difficulties and family breakdown. Efforts are underway to combat discrimination and violence against women working in the oil, gas and mining sectors. The government of Mozambique has adopted a gender equality law that prohibits discrimination and violence against women. The government of Angola has also adopted a law on gender equality. Civil society organizations are also conducting awareness-raising campaigns to combat social and cultural norms that discriminate against women.
Prospects for women working in the oil, gas and mining sectors are encouraging. The governments of Mozambique and Angola are committed to combating discrimination and violence against women. Civil society organizations continue to run awareness-raising campaigns. With the combined efforts of governments, civil society organizations and companies, it is possible to create a fairer and more inclusive environment for women working in these sectors.
Concrete examples of discrimination and violence suffered by women working in the oil, gas and mining sectors
- Maria, a female migrant worker in Mozambique, was sexually harassed by her supervisor. She tried to lodge a complaint, but was threatened with dismissal.
- Ana, a female mining worker in Angola, faced wage discrimination. She was paid less than men for the same work.
- Carla, a female oil worker in Mozambique, was the subject of physical violence. She was beaten by her husband, who was jealous of her job.
The Network of Women Leaders for Development (RFLD) is a non-governmental organization (NGO) working to promote gender equality and women’s rights in Subsaharan Africa with Mozambique and Angola among the focused countries. RFLD carries out a number of activities to combat discrimination and violence against women working in the oil, gas and mining sectors, including:
- Awareness-raising
RFLD runs awareness campaigns to inform women about their rights and the risks of discrimination and violence. - RFLD works with communities to change attitudes and behaviors towards women.
- RFLD provides training for women on their employment rights, sexual and reproductive health and financial management.
- RFLD also helps women to develop their professional skills and find employment.
- RFLD advocates towards governments and companies to adopt policies and practices that protect women’s rights.
RFLD’s role and impact in the field:
- Legal support and assistance for Survivors:
- RFLD offers free legal support to women who have suffered discrimination or violence in the workplace, helping them to lodge complaints and obtain justice.
- RFLD provides psychological and social assistance to victims, enabling them to rebuild their lives and regain control of their lives.
- RFLD dialogues and collaborates with companies in the extractive sector to raise their awareness of gender issues and encourage them to implement gender-sensitive policies and practices.
- RFLD organizes citizen mobilization and public pressure campaigns to demand that companies take concrete action and improve working conditions for women.
- RFLD creates support and solidarity networks between women working in the oil, gas and mining sectors, enabling them to share experiences, advice and strengths.
- RFLD organizes training and workshops on women’s leadership, wage negotiation and sexual and reproductive health, thus empowering women.
RFLD’s work is essential to improving the situation of women working in the oil, gas and mining sectors in Mozambique and Angola. By offering legal, psychosocial, economic and political support, the organization helps to reduce discrimination and violence, empower women and promote gender equality in these strategic sectors.
