Colombia's emerald mines: Empowering Colombian Women

Women Forge Path in Male-Dominated Emerald Industry Amid Economic Hardships

In the heart of Colombia’s emerald-rich mountains, a remarkable transformation is underway as women armed with power tools chip away at boulders in search of precious gems. Their entry into the traditionally male-dominated emerald mining sector marks a significant shift, driven by a combination of limited job opportunities and the dream of striking it rich.

Challenging Terrain, Elusive Fortunes

Deep within the mountain tunnels, where stifling heat causes constant headaches, women like Yaneth Forero toil away in pursuit of emeralds. Despite the allure of lucrative finds, the reality for many remains starkly different. Forero, among others, attests to months or even years passing without significant earnings from their labor, often making less than $250. Such meager incomes perpetuate cycles of poverty, leaving families struggling to make ends meet.

A Precarious Pursuit of Prosperity

Forero’s aspirations extend beyond mere survival; she dreams of a home with tiled floors and stability, a stark contrast to her current reality in a humble hillside dwelling. The promise of Colombian emeralds, renowned for their quality and commanding high prices, drives many like her to endure the grueling conditions of the mines in hopes of securing a better future.

Gendered Struggles in the Mines

For women in the emerald mines, the challenges extend beyond economic uncertainties. Domestic responsibilities often await them after exhausting shifts underground, adding another layer of hardship to their already demanding lives. Yet, despite these obstacles, women like Flor Marina Morales persevere, driven by the necessity to provide for their families and carve out opportunities for their children.

Breaking Barriers, Paving the Way

The presence of women in Colombia’s emerald mines represents a seismic shift from the entrenched gender norms of the past. Decades ago, women were barred from the mines, their participation deemed taboo. However, concerted efforts and changing dynamics have seen a gradual acceptance, albeit with lingering challenges such as violence and discrimination.

Advocating for Recognition and Rights

As the landscape evolves, women miners are pushing for official recognition as artisanal miners—a designation that would afford them legal rights and stability. The quest for legitimacy underscores their determination to secure a foothold in an industry where their contributions have long been undervalued.

Looking Beyond the Mines

Despite the hardships, many women miners aspire to transition away from the perilous confines of the emerald mines. For Yaneth Forero, the prospect of finding a valuable gem represents a chance to break free from the cycle of labor and uncertainty, envisioning a future marked by entrepreneurship and stability.

In Colombia’s emerald-rich mines regions, women are not merely laborers but pioneers, challenging gender norms and reshaping an industry long dominated by men . Their journey symbolizes resilience in the face of adversity, offering a glimpse of hope amid the depths of the mines.

Re-reported from the article originally published in The Newsday