African women struggle for a future beyond extractivism

The large-scale extraction of minerals, oil and gas, water, fish and forest products, as well as new forms of energy such as hydroelectricity and industrial forms of agriculture, lead to land and water grabbing, mostly by transnational corporations.  At the same time, the economic profits earned in the global sell-out of natural resources are reserved for economic and political elites. The model fails to improve the lives of poor communities who live on land where extractivism dominates.

The consequences for women are especially severe: they remain providers of cheap raw materials and low-cost labour. They experience severe environmental degradation and, at the same time, struggle with unsafe labour conditions, violence and conflicts. However, in many countries, the resistance to this system of exploitation is growing. Women form coalitions of empowerment and develop alternative ideas, for example, in Mozambique.

Hear the voices of the women of HIKONE:

WE ARE HERE! This is what HIKONE loosely translated means. Founded in 2013, we are a feminist movement resisting the systemic socio-economic and cultural exploitation of women. We are united in our opposition against the extractive economy. This capitalist system values consumerism, colonialism, and money over people and the planet. We demand our human rights to be respected! We stand up for access to education and control of our land and livelihoods. We build and strengthen groups of rural women living in extractive and conflict areas. Over time, we have established local resistance collectives in several provinces.

How do we work for change? We facilitate reflection sessions on the impact of extractivism and the current economic development model on women's lives. We organize political camps to connect women and invite them to discuss common challenges and work out alternatives. We provide training on the legal framework of the extractive industry, compensation procedures, resettlements, rights and benefits for affected communities.

Our community centres are a good example of the world we want to help build, one where women have opportunities to share, learn and implement ecologically conscious economic activities, such as family farming, agroecology, the processing of agricultural products, the production of firewood-saving stoves, production of native fruit trees, agricultural marketing, savings and informal trade. In this way, we are strengthening the Women's Movement in resistance to extractivism.

Yes, HIKONE - WE ARE HERE, and we will stay here! Because we need strong coalitions and empowered women for a just economy.