The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme is the global community’s joint response to eliminate trade in 'conflict diamonds'. It brings together governments, civil society and industry. As the Kimberley Process Chair in 2018, the EU strives to ensure that the Process remains a unique tool for conflict prevention and fit for purpose in a changing world.
In support to its work on the Kimberley Process, the EU also funds several projects under the Instrument contributing to Stability and Peace, with the aim to reinforce natural resources governance and the development of alternative livelihoods with attention for gender aspects.
As part of the European Development Days in June 2018, Levin Sources' Victoria Gronwald joined a European Commission and GIZ-organised panel to discuss how multi-stakeholder partnerships like the Kimberley Process can further mainstream gender into their work and governance structures. The theme for the 2018 conference was 'Women and Girls at the Forefront of Sustainable Development: protect, empower, invest'. The hashtag #SheisWe was used on social media throughout the event.
On the panel, Victoria joined Hilde Hardeman, Service for Foreign Policy Instruments, European Commission; Sabine Jiekak, Deputy Chief of Party for Tetra Tech ARD's PRADD II program; Janne Kaiser-Teseco, Advisor for GIZ; Marie Chantal Kaninda, Executive Director for the World Diamond Council; and Joaquim Goeske, Head of Division Global Policy & Governance for GIZ.
Key points raised and addressed by the expert panel included:
- The diamond industry worldwide, with the support of the Kimberly Process, is just beginning to address the systemic gender inequalities in mining communities.
- Positive change has stemmed from promoting fair and equal treatment and going beyond gender quotas in projects. Teaching women skills for advocacy and implementing change is essential.
- Policy recommendations in a forthcoming report range from adding gender to the definition of conflict diamonds in order to giving women access to licensing and land titles.
- In the Ivory Coast, traditional attitudes are starting to change, but progress is slow.
Levin Sources is currently preparing a report on gender equality in the Kimberley Process, which will offer concrete policy recommendations for policymakers. Some early recommendations include formally including gender in the definition of conflict diamonds and asking member countries to report on gender-related targets. Other proposals are for women to be given access to land licensing and titles, subsidising the cost of mining equipment to improve working conditions, and providing financial support with microcredits.
On the day, Victoria said: "It was a pleasure to contribute to the discussion with such experienced panellists. Levin Sources is excited to continue working on promoting gender equality in the mining sector."
Get the full discussion in an audio version of the panel, 'Voices from the Mining Fields - Women's Work in Artisanal Diamond Mining Communities', featuring input from Levin Sources' Victoria Gronwald. It's available now - listen below or via SoundCloud.
