Mangaredjipa: In the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, ongoing jihadist attacks have forced many women to seek survival through artisanal gold mining, often under grueling and hazardous conditions. The region has been plagued by a surge of violence from Islamic State-aligned rebels, displacing thousands and leaving survivors struggling to rebuild their lives.
Among them is 49-year-old widow Maman Soki, who lost her daughter and sister in an April assault. Seeking refuge, she relocated to the gold-rich area of Mangaredjipa along with her son, grandson, and her sister’s children. Every day, Soki and two other women carry 30-kilogram sacks of debris up muddy slopes, performing physically demanding work for only a few dollars, enough to provide basic sustenance for the children in her care.
Despite their crucial contributions to the mining economy, women face systemic discrimination. Cultural norms prevent them from entering mining pits, confining them to low-paying tasks like transporting pre-dug sand for processing. According to RENAFEM, the national association for women miners, harassment and unequal treatment are widespread, with women consistently assigned more dangerous or physically taxing work while men reap higher profits.
Soki dreams of one day saving enough to open a small food shop, aiming to leave behind the hazardous mining life. However, the high cost of living, schooling, and daily necessities leaves her with little opportunity to invest in her future. Her son, Muhindo Obed, expresses constant concern for her safety as she ventures into the mines each day, fearing for her well-being amid the physically exhausting labor and unstable conditions.
The humanitarian crisis in eastern Congo is compounded by repeated extremist attacks. In July, rebels killed at least 43 worshippers in Komanda, and in August, 52 civilians were murdered in Beni and Lubero. These atrocities have left communities traumatized and vulnerable, with mining emerging as one of the few means for women to earn a living and provide for their families.
As violence continues to disrupt daily life, the resilience of women like Soki stands as a testament to human perseverance amid adversity. Their plight underscores the urgent need for comprehensive support and protection for displaced communities in eastern DRC, highlighting how conflict, poverty, and gender discrimination intersect to create enduring hardship.
The stories of these women serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of life in conflict zones, where survival often comes at a tremendous physical and emotional cost, and where systemic inequalities further compound the challenges faced by displaced populations.