A RWA Reflection on the Session
The reflection on extractivism brought to the surface the deep structural inequalities that rural communities, particularly women, face in relation to natural resources. Presentations highlighted how extractive industries, coupled with unfair global economic practices, perpetuate poverty and marginalisation in Africa.A key theme was the unjust global trade regime, where tariffs and aid conditionalities disadvantage African economies. U.S. tariffs were cited as examples of how external forces undermine local economies. At the same time, African governments remain dependent, unable to resist such pressures, leaving ordinary people more vulnerable.
The discussion also turned to critical minerals and the new scramble for Africa, especially as the world shifts towards electric vehicles and green technologies. While Africa holds the minerals, production and profits are externalised. Zambia was cited as an example—despite producing batteries and exporting to the region, ordinary citizens do not benefit; the cost of living remains high, and transparency is lacking. This reflects the broader extractivist pattern: Africa provides raw materials, others reap the rewards.
On inequalities in labour and gender, participants stressed that women are systematically discriminated against in mining. Despite having qualifications, they are often excluded on the basis of physical appearance or stereotypes. This gender bias entrenches poverty and marginalisation among rural women.
The reflection also underscored the shrinking civic space. Labour unions and civil society organisations are being co-opted by governments, silencing dissent and weakening the capacity of communities to demand accountability. Participants noted that this tactic is spreading across countries, creating a climate of fear and compliance.
From these reflections, sistersagree d that it is no longer enough to speak about inequalities without action. Africa must pursue joint strategies to regulate extractives, increase transparency, and ensure fair taxation. Land rights and patriarchy must also be confronted as foundational obstacles to justice. Importantly, women’s voices must remain at the centre of these struggles, not as victims but as agents of change.
The session ended with a call to integrate extractivism more deliberately into the broader struggles of the Rural Women’s Assembly—linking it to food sovereignty, agroecology, and gender justice. The consensus was clear: without tackling extractivism, Africa’s development will remain compromised, and rural women will continue to bear the brunt of exploitation.
