Did you know that the majority of colored gemstones come from artisanal and small-scale mining? Using hand tools and lower-impact mining methods, these source communities are often totally invisible to the end of the market. The reality is that mining represents an important income source to the people who work so hard to find the gems, especially women miners. On this Earth Day, we celebrate and highlight Roselyn and Jenta, two miners from southern Kenya. They share a little bit about their stories of why they mine and the positive impact it has on their families and communities, as well as the importance of diversifying their incomes. While mining itself is not a completely environmentally sustainable activity, there are initiatives such as Moyo Gems whose mission is to create a sustainable business model for the miners. Through education and fair prices paid more directly to the miners, the goal of programs like these is to increase equity and create progress in the global gemstone trade around the world. We are grateful to hear the stories from the women themselves. This was filmed and edited in Kenya by videographer Imran Mohammed, and is courtesy of PactWorld via ANZA GEMS, LLC. Moyo Gems is a collaboration between NGO Pact and international gem suppliers to improve market access for miners who are part of Association for Women in Energy and Extractives in Kenya Association For Women in Energy and Extractives in Kenya (AWEIK), and the Tanzania Women Miners Assoc. in Tanzania.
I am humbled every time I get to hear the stories directly from the (invisible) women in the gemstone supply chain. Thanks for giving them the spotlight. 🙏
I think you tagged the wrong Pact. This is the right one :-) Pact
Responsible Sourcing, Sustainability, Social Performance, ESG, Raw Materials Leader
4moThank you so much for sharing and amplifying the voices of miners themselves ❤️❤️❤️❤️