Zambian Women Make Inroads into Mining
May 31, 07
The renowned miner Namakau Kaingu now boasts an aquamarine and a quartz mine, both located in Itezhi-tezhi, Western Province; three amethyst mines in Kalomo, Southern Province; and is in the process of starting to mine iron ore. 
In 1997, Kaingu and several female miners started AZWIM to help other women get into the mining business, providing them with training in gemology, mining technology, grading, and marketing skills.
The association also operates a revolving loan fund to provide financial support to female miners. Kaingu said she started the association to help other women, because “Zambia is endowed with so many natural resources there is no way people should be poor.” She says the association has received overwhelming support from female miners. The training courses are in such high demand that sometimes applicants have to be turned away and told to try again next time. AZWIM now has 300 members from all across the country.