Wacam has conducted women only focus group discussions in selected communities within and around the Ewoyaa lithium project area under the Feminist Mining Initiative. The programme is being implemented by Wacam in collaboration with Friends of the Nation and the Centre for Public Interest Law, with support from Oxfam.
The activity was carried out in Krofu, Krampakrom, Anokyi, Ewoyaa, Abonku, Ansaadze and Afrangua. It formed part of Wacam’s effort to understand the concerns, experiences and capacity needs of women in communities likely to be affected by lithium mining.
The focus group discussions created a safe space for women to share their views on the lithium project especially on land, compensation, livelihood impacts, environmental and health concerns, women’s participation in decision-making and access to grievance reporting channels.
The discussions showed that many women have heard about the lithium project but still have limited information on important issues such as land acquisition, compensation, resettlement, environmental impacts and health risks. In some communities, women said they first became aware of the project when they saw holes dug on farms, workers entering farmlands, helicopters in the area or crops being destroyed.
Women also raised concerns that they are often not meaningfully involved in decisions affecting their lands and livelihoods.
The activity further identified the need for practical training on women’s rights, land and compensation rights, environmental protection, health impacts of mining, grievance reporting, public speaking, negotiation, leadership and responsible mining. The women also expressed preference for training in local languages, using simple explanations, pictures and practical examples.
Through the Feminist Mining Initiative, Wacam and its partners seek to strengthen women’s voices and leadership in mining-affected communities. The findings from the focus group discussions will guide the next phase of women’s rights training and advocacy support in the Ewoyaa lithium project area.
Wacam remains committed to supporting women in earmarked and mining-affected communities to understand their rights, participate in decision-making and demand responsible mining that protects people, livelihoods and the environment.
