Through our work on the ground and across all levels of natural resource management around the world, IMPACT and our partners see first-hand the ways in which women are directly involved in ASM, such as panning, processing, and trading goods and services. Yet their diverse and active participation is repeatedly ignored. The lack of gender sensitive approaches across the sector leaves women vulnerable, particularly in areas where security and human rights are at risk. Well-intentioned processes to improve how natural resources are managed often lead to unintended negative consequences for women and amplify the existing inequalities that current laws fail to acknowledge. Given the important contributions women make to the sector, they must be more meaningfully considered in any projects and policies related to artisanal mining. And because of their use and dependence on natural resources, women must be valued as key stakeholders in resource governance. IMPACT believes that development in the ASM sector cannot be sustainable without both women and men empowered to participate and determine their own futures. To help achieve these goals, we are pleased to provide this Gender Impact Assessment Toolkit.
