Empowering Women to Drive Responsible Sourcing in the Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Sector
We are pleased to announce that Blessing Hungwe, a leading advocate for women’s empowerment in the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector, will join the World Resources Forum 2025 as one of our keynote speakers, taking place 2–3 September 2025 in Geneva.
Artisanal and small-scale mining plays a critical role in the global supply of minerals and metals. However, its potential to contribute to responsible sourcing, sustainable development, and community well-being is still far from fully realised. In her keynote address, Blessing Hungwe will explore the transformative role of women in ASM—sharing her personal journey and the strategies she has championed to build local capacity, promote leadership, and foster more equitable resource governance.
Drawing on her extensive experience in Zimbabwe and across Southern Africa, Blessing will highlight how empowering women miners can improve social and environmental outcomes, strengthen community resilience, and lay the foundation for more transparent and responsible mineral value chains.
About the Keynote Speaker
Blessing Hungwe is a prominent Zimbabwean miner and advocate for women’s empowerment in the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector. As the Patron of the Zimbabwe Association of Women in Mining Associations (ZAWIMA), she has been instrumental in uniting various women’s mining groups under one umbrella to amplify their collective voice and influence.
Blessing has held several leadership positions, including Vice Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) and Secretary General for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region under the Association of Women in Mining in Africa(AWIMA). Currently, she serves as the Regional Knowledge Exchange Coordinator for Anglophone Africa in The World Bank’s Delve Exchange Programme.
Be part of the conversation
Don’t miss the opportunity to hear directly from Blessing Hungwe at WRF2025 in Geneva—a powerful voice whose work is rooted in lived experience and community-led change.
Join us on 2-3 September in Geneva and 4-5 September online!
Register now and take advantage of the 20% Early Bird discount until 15 June!