Women scavenging in abandoned mining pits in Sierra Leone report frequent sexual assaults and a lack of accountability from local camp authorities.
Female artisanal miners in the diamond-rich district of Kono are reporting high levels of sexual violence while working in abandoned pits. Janet, a 32-year-old miner, recounted being raped at age 15 while scavenging for gold and diamonds in Jaiama Nimikor. She stated that she reported the incident to the village head, but the perpetrator remained unidentified and she subsequently faced community stigmatization.
Other women working in the sector describe similar experiences of harassment and assault. Haja, a 48-year-old widow, reported being raped while working in the mines. She claimed that when she reported the assault, the camp master dismissed her allegations, suggesting the attacker was her partner. Haja stated that she fled her community due to shame before eventually returning at her daughter's request.
These women turned to artisanal mining as a primary source of income following the civil war or the death of spouses. Many scavenge in pits to support their families after dropping out of school or losing other means of survival. Despite the risks, these mining sites remain a critical, albeit dangerous, economic lifeline for vulnerable residents in the region.
Why it mattersWomen working in artisanal mining sites in Kono face physical danger and sexual violence while attempting to earn an income through scavenging.
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