Gender in Artisanal Small Scale Mining

In a landmark move for inclusivity and empowerment, the Government of Rajasthan, guided by the Mining and Labour Protection Campaign (MLPC), has amended its mining regulations. This change grants preferential mining licenses to the resilient widows of mine workers and cooperatives, acknowledging that 48% of the women workforce in mining are widows. This initiative fosters collective growth, reflecting Rajasthan's cultural heritage and aligns with the Pneumoconiosis Policy, safeguarding health and dignity.

In Rajasthan's sandstone mines, young widows, their husbands lost to silicosis, have been unjustly labeled as unskilled. Yet, the cobblestones they craft pave streets across Europe, which the buyer and the maker is oblivious of. Deprived of fair wages and recognition, these women now find hope through MLPC's efforts. By connecting these artisans with international buyers, MLPC ensures transparency and equity in the value chain. This advocacy illuminates their global role, promising respect, rightful wages, and turning their skilled labor into pride and prosperity.