IM4DC project plays important role in Mongolia’s mining boom, June 9th, 2014
Isabel Cane, Research Manager at The University of Queensland (UQ) Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining (CSRM), said extensive social change was occurring in the South Gobi of Mongolia due to mining activities which has seen a rise in GBV affecting women, men and children in surrounding communities.
As part of the projects strategy, a roundtable discussion was held to discuss the findings and provide recommendations to policy makers.
A recently signed $AUD280,000 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Mongolia’s National Committee on Gender Equality and the Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi company, was an outcome of the roundtable. The MoU focuses on practical solutions such as installing street lighting to improve visibility and safety for women, building a health centre to support women and girls, establishing alternative activities for young girls by building a green park, and improving the environment from mining impacts to foster a more family friendly community.
“In an industry where gender issues are marginally engaged with, the MoU between a government body and a mining company demonstrates a very positive step and commitment to gender issues and responsible mining broadly”, Ms Cane said.
She also said that the research undertaken in Mongolia could be applied in other developing countries where mining was having a major impact on gender relations in local communities.