At Nigeria Mining Week 2025, the Nigerian Indigenous Women in Mining and Natural Resources Organisation (NIWIMRO) stood out as a strong voice for inclusivity and empowerment in the mining sector.

The organisation is dedicated to uplifting artisanal and indigenous women miners who form the backbone of the industry but often remain unseen and undervalued.

Speaking to Mining Review Africa, Executive Director Felicia Dyro explained that NIWIMRO was created to ensure that these women were recognised, valued, and given a platform to participate in decision-making processes. “They contribute significantly to the nation’s economy, yet their voices are rarely heard,” she said.

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NIWIMRO’s work is guided by nine strategic pillars, with capacity building at its core. The organisation provides training and community outreach to help female miners gain essential knowledge about safe and sustainable mining practices.

During a visit to Kuchiko Camp in Abuja, Niger State, NIWIMRO discovered that women were using the same stream for washing minerals and domestic activities. In partnership with the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF), the organisation helped drill a borehole, giving the community access to clean water and improving overall health conditions.

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This year’s Mining Week, which celebrated its 10th anniversary, marked NIWIMRO’s first exhibition at the event. Dyro described the experience as “amazing”, noting that it provided visibility, new partnerships, and opportunities for collaboration. NIWIMRO continues to champion recognition, safety, and empowerment for indigenous women miners across Nigeria.