In Zimbabwe’s informal gold mining sector, women face cultural restrictions but have carved out roles that blend entrepreneurship, spirituality, and survival. Despite being excluded from underground mining, women in Mazowe leverage spiritual practices to gain influence, creating shrines visited by miners seeking guidance. As many miners turn to occult practices, women offer ritual services that promise success, while others engage in sex work to support their families. These women challenge societal norms, transforming their roles in a traditionally male-dominated space and reshaping the dynamics of power in Zimbabwe’s mining economy. Their stories reveal resilience and adaptability amidst adversity.
Source: The Conversation