Archive · 4 Sep 2025
Congolese Women Mine for Survival After Rebel Attacks
After attacks by Islamic State-aligned rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo, many women are working in mining to survive.
Maman Soki fled her home after her daughter and sister were killed, and now works in a gold mine.
She carries heavy loads for a few dollars a day to feed her family.
Women face discrimination and earn less in the traditionally male-dominated field of mining.
Soki hopes to save enough money to open a small business and escape the dangerous work.
The rebels have been responsible for multiple attacks, including one in a church and others in the Beni and Lubero areas.
Maman Soki and other women are working in mining to survive.
They fled their homes after attacks by Islamic State-aligned rebels.
Soki works at the Pangoyi gold mine, carrying heavy loads for little pay.
Mining is traditionally dominated by men, with women facing discrimination.
Soki hopes to save money to open a food store.
- Who
- Congolese women, including Maman Soki
- What
- Work in mining to survive after fleeing attacks.
- When
- After attacks in April and July/August
- Where
- Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Pangoyi gold mine
- Why
- To survive and support their families after attacks by jihadists.
- Main Protagonist
- Maman Soki
- Location
- Pangoyi gold mine, Eastern DRC
- Incident
- Attacks by Islamic State-aligned rebels
- Occupation
- Mining
- Organization Protecting Women's Rights
- RENAFEM