Full text of speech by Dr. Dele Alake, Hon. Minister Solid Minerals Development at Women Miners Association Forum

As we commemorate International Women’s Day this year, I was honoured to address the vibrant gathering at the forum organized by the Women Miners Association. The theme, ‘Invest in Women: Accelerating Progress,’ couldn’t be more timely and relevant.

The journey towards gender equality has been long and arduous, but today, we stand on the shoulders of giants who fought for equal access to education, health, employment, and a healthy family life for everyone, regardless of gender. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the United Nations Social Development Goals have paved the way, but there’s still much ground to cover, especially in the mining sector.

The African Minerals Strategy Group, representing the continent’s united voice on mining, is deeply committed to this cause. We’re not just advocating for women’s participation in mining; we’re taking concrete steps to ensure women can lead and innovate in this field. From technical training to start-up financial assistance for female entrepreneurs and leadership roles within regulatory agencies, our mission is clear: No one gets left behind.

This year’s International Women’s Day serves as a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to harness the potential of every individual, male or female, for the progress of our society.

As the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Nigeria, and Chairman of the African Minerals Strategy Group, I pledge to continue supporting policies and initiatives that empower women, promote value addition, and change the narrative of our continent’s development.

Together, we can build a future where gender is no longer a barrier to accessing the world’s riches or contributing to its prosperity. Let’s continue to invest in women and accelerate our journey towards a more inclusive, equitable, and thriving Africa.

Dr. Dele Alake
Hon. Minister
Solid Minerals Development