Gender Dynamics in Informal Small-Scale Mining: A Phenomenological Study of Women’s Experiences

Abstract

Women’s participation in small scale mining remains understudied, particularly within informal and regulated restricted contexts where labor is precarious and institutional protection is limited. This study explored the gender dynamics of informal small-scale mining by examining the lived experiences of women engaged in mining work. Guided by a qualitative phenomenological research design, the study focused on how women understand and navigate their roles, workplace conditions, access to resources, economic contribution, and coping practices within an informal mining setting.