Call for consultancy: Analysis of COVID- 19 and gender impacts on mining communities

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1.0 Background

Section 56 of the Zimbabwean Constitution provides a solid legal stand- point for the promotion and protection of equality and non- discrimination in Zimbabwe[1]. However, the unprecedented impact of COVID- 19 is disproportionately affecting women, and this has the likelihood of increasing their vulnerabilities[2]. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), 70% of health workers are women and such are most exposed to the COVID-19 pandemic[3]. Mineral wealth exploitation in Zimbabwe has contributed to the country’s economy and further increased through expansion of mineral activities necessitated by ‘Zimbabwe is open for business’. This sector was not spared from the pandemic despite receiving lockdown exemptions to continue operating under certain guidelines[4]. Zimbabwe’s economic driver[5] is further comprised largely of the informal sector which is also principally comprised of women some of which are part of the artisanal and small- scale (ASM) sector.  The Interparliamentary Union in its guiding note for parliaments noted that due to this factor, women are excluded from the benefits of the formal sector which include pensions, social insurance and paid sick leave.

In a fragile economy such as that of Zimbabwe, a closer look is imperative on the impacts of lockdowns and the pandemic on vulnerable groups such as women. It is necessary to understand the intricate dimensions of mining communities with a specific lens on gender issues. Achieving gender equality is hinged on changes on institutional and societal practices that ordinarily disenfranchise women.

2.0 Main Objective of the study (paper)

To produces a paper analyzing the impacts of COVID- 19 on women in mining communities through investigate the gender issues in the mining sector with an aim to bring about the impact of COVID- 19 on women against the backdrop of equitable resource governance. The paper will also investigate policy initiatives that promote social equity and empower women for sustainable development.

3.0 Specific Terms of Reference

The specific terms of reference of the paper are:

  • To highlight the impact of COVID-19 on women in mining communities,
    • to investigate gender issues in the mining sector and policy initiatives that promote inclusion and equality in the mining sector;
    • To give recommendations for the promotion of equality, non- discrimination and inclusion of women in the mining sector.

Key Deliverables

  • Produce an analytical paper that will highlight and provide credible information on gender issues in the mining sector considering the COVID- 19 pandemic; and policy recommendations for the promotion of gender equality in mining.

Interested and qualified Consultants who meet the above requirements should send their application clearly stating how they meet the requirements, methodology to be used and cost of the consultancy to: procurementzw@gmail.com by the 14th of June 2020. The title of the consultancy should be clearly stated in the email subject.


[1] Section 56 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe provides for Equality and non-discrimination.

[2] http://kubatana.net/2020/04/10/covid-19-zim-lockdown-gendered-impacts-implications-and-effects-on-women-and-girls-as-primary-caregivers/

[3] http://www.oecd.org/coronavirus/policy-responses/women-at-the-core-of-the-fight-against-covid-19-crisis-553a8269/

[4] http://www.zela.org/download/covid-19-mining-sector-situational-report-zelas-3rd-series/

[5] https://www.rbz.co.zw/documents/mps/Monetary-Policy-Statement-17-February-2020.pdf

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