Zimbabwe women-only mine opens jewellery line

Zimbabwe's Zimbaqua mine, which employs an entirely female workforce, has opened a jewellery line to showcase the aquamarine stones that they mine.

The mine was set up three years ago by its founders who were keen to train women and give them opportunities to earn and make a good living for themselves.

Fifteen women joined the project and since then the mine has been successfully run by 35 women to date.

The manager of the mine, Rumbidzai Gwinji - also known as Rumbi - told the BBC Newsday programme that her team was excited by the opportunity offered by the jewellery line where profits might be even greater.

“This is super exciting because now we have become one of the first mines to actually mine a jewellery brand. This is exciting for the team because now we are not just mining aquamarine but we are also making the final product and it's a huge step for us."

“This is super exciting because now we have become one of the first mines to actually mine a jewellery brand. This is exciting for the team because now we are not just mining aquamarine but we are also making the final product and it's a huge step for us."

The jewellery line consists of earrings, necklaces and rings.

She said the mine offered the women a reliable source of income to take care of their children and their families.

“We are a very close team. Generally it's a calm and peaceful environment. Singing while getting the work done is very real at our mine. Dancing during break sessions and laughing and being happy is the kind of environment that women provide when they work together."

“We are a very close team. Generally it's a calm and peaceful environment. Singing while getting the work done is very real at our mine. Dancing during break sessions and laughing and being happy is the kind of environment that women provide when they work together."

This article originally appeared in BBC News

Photo: GPJ Zimbabwe