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Continental Workshop in Accra Demands Action on Women’s Rights in Extractive Industries

Accra, Ghana – September 25, 2025 – A high-level Continental Workshop opened today at La Palm Royal Hotel in Accra, Ghana, to confront systemic barriers to women’s socio-economic rights, with a sharp focus on the extractive industries. Hosted by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) in partnership with Ipas, the two-day event (September 25-26) unites African Union (AU) member states, civil society, and industry representatives to tackle gender disparities in education, health, social protection, and employment.

The workshop targets the pervasive exclusion of women in mining, oil, and gas sectors, where they face unequal pay, health risks, and environmental degradation. It also underscores the critical role of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in breaking cycles of poverty and exploitation.

Hon. Janet Ramatoulie Sallah Njie, ACHPR Vice-Chairperson and Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Women in Africa, delivered a forceful keynote, declaring, “Development that undermines the rights and duties of women is not development, it is exploitation.” She criticized the extractive industries for displacing communities, degrading environments, and excluding women from decision-making, urging universal ratification of the Maputo Protocol and the AU Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls. “Poverty has the face of a woman,” Sallah Njie said, linking economic rights to dignified parenting and gender equality.

Ms. Sophia Gallina, Head of Project AWARE GIZ African Union, emphasized the economic stakes, citing reports from UN Women and the African Center for Economic Transformation. “Closing gender gaps in extractive industries is key to driving growth for the continent and the world,” she said, calling for bold, practical solutions.

Mr. Erick Mundia of Ipas Africa Alliance highlighted the toll of extractive activities on women’s health and livelihoods, noting, “Women’s voices are unheard, their labor undervalued, and their rights overlooked.” He advocated for policies integrating reproductive and development justice to ensure women are agents of change.

The workshop features panel discussions and group sessions to develop recommendations for gender-responsive policies and a regional observatory to monitor compliance with human rights obligations.

Organizers aim to strengthen state accountability and push for legislative reforms to empower women in marginalized communities.

Day two of the workshop will continue tomorrow, with participants focused on translating commitments into concrete action to ensure women’s rights are central to Africa’s development.