Braving The Odds: Brenda Choonye And The Rise Of Women In Mining

In the heart of Shiwang’andu district, 44-year-old Brenda Choonye is breaking barriers and stereotypes as she carves a living in the gold fields of Kanyelele — a terrain long perceived as a man’s domain. Driven by the desire to secure a brighter future for her children, Choonye has turned to gold mining, defying societal norms that often expect mothers to rely solely on their spouses for financial support. Her story is not only one of resilience but also a reflection of the growing yet underrepresented presence of women in Zambia’s small-scale mining sector.

For the past five months, Choonye has been a constant figure among the dust and rock, braving harsh physical conditions and the uncertainty that comes with artisanal mining. “My primary concern was to provide sustenance for my children,” she shares. “I do not want them to pass through the hardships that I endured.” Her determination to change the trajectory of her family’s life has kept her going, even on days when her efforts yield as little as 0.2 grams of gold — barely enough to earn K400.

The financial instability of gold mining is only part of the challenge. Choonye also faces grueling labor and a lack of protective gear, underscoring the precarious conditions many women miners endure. The mining sector remains perilous, with limited support for female diggers who often work without basic safety equipment. “There are days when I struggle to find gold and when this happens, it means that money is scarce,” she explains, revealing the daily gamble that defines her livelihood.

Choonye's perseverance, however, speaks to a larger movement: women stepping into roles once denied to them, fueled by economic necessity and sheer grit. Her journey reflects the silent revolution of women in mining, many of whom shoulder dual responsibilities as breadwinners and caregivers. Yet, their contributions often go unrecognized, and their needs — such as access to training, equipment, and health protections — remain unmet by authorities and industry stakeholders.

As she toils in the dust, Choonye dreams not only of survival but of transformation — for herself, her children, and other women like her. She calls on government agencies and mining bodies to step in and support female miners with proper safety measures and resources. “Despite the low quantities of gold I sometimes discover and the insufficient income I receive, I am determined to make every gram count,” she declares. Her voice is one of many, rising from the depths of the mines, demanding both dignity and opportunity for women in Zambia’s evolving mining landscape.