Empowering Women in Mining Through HIV Awareness: A partnership Creating Healthier Workplaces

As Rwanda continues to promote gender equality in traditionally male-dominated industries, the mining sector is witnessing an increasing number of women taking on technical, managerial, and leadership roles. While this progress is worth celebrating, it also presents an opportunity to ensure that women have access to essential health information that enables them to remain healthy, productive, and economically empowered.

To mark the International Day of Women in Mining, RRP+ partnered with Trinity Metals Limited under the theme “A Year of Collective Action and Impact” (Umwaka w’Ubufatanye n’Impinduka). The celebration recognized the achievements of women in mining while creating an important platform to promote HIV prevention and reproductive health

During the event, RRP+ provided comprehensive health education to 400 women, covering Family Planning, HIV Prevention, Care and Treatment. Participants also received practical demonstrations on the correct use of condoms and HIV self-testing kits, helping them better understand available prevention options and encouraging them to know their HIV status

The interactive sessions allowed participants to openly discuss health concerns, ask questions, and address common misconceptions about HIV and reproductive health in a safe and supportive environment. One of the most memorable moments of the event was a testimony shared by an RRP+ Youth Ambassador, who openly spoke about living positively with HIV. The testimony highlighted the importance of early HIV testing, adherence to treatment, overcoming stigma, and living a healthy and productive life despite an HIV diagnosis. The personal story brought hope and inspiration to participants while reinforcing that HIV should never define a person’s future

Speaking on behalf of women working in the mining sector, Jane MUTONI, Representative of Women in Mining, highlighted the importance of equipping women with knowledge that supports both their careers and their well-being.

“As women in the mining sector, we are increasingly taking on responsibilities that require strength, confidence, and resilience. To sustain this progress, we must also take charge of our health. Access to accurate information on family planning enables women to make informed choices about their future, while HIV prevention helps us protect ourselves, our families, and our workplaces. We are grateful to RRP+ for bringing these life-saving messages directly to us, and we encourage more partnerships that prioritize the health of working women.”

Diane, Human Resource Manager at Trinity Metals Limited, emphasized that employee well-being is an integral part of the company’s vision for a productive and inclusive workplace.

“Our employees are our greatest asset, and investing in their health is investing in the future of our company. By partnering with RRP+, we are creating an environment where women have access to reliable information on HIV prevention and family planning, enabling them to make informed decisions that benefit their health, their families, and their careers. We value this collaboration and look forward to strengthening workplace health initiatives that leave no one behind.”

Participants expressed appreciation for the practical approach used during the awareness session, noting that the demonstrations made complex health information easier to understand and apply.

One participant shared:

“Before today, I had heard about HIV self-testing but had never seen how it works. The demonstration gave me the confidence to test myself and to encourage my husband and friends to know their status. I now understand that prevention starts with knowledge.”

Reflecting on the Youth Ambassador’s testimony, another participant said:

“Listening to someone who openly shared their experience of living with HIV touched my heart. I realized that HIV is not the end of someone’s dreams or opportunities. The testimony challenged many misconceptions I had and reminded me that people living with HIV deserve respect, support, and equal opportunities. I am leaving here determined to know my status and to encourage others to do the same.”

Another participant reflected on the importance of family planning in balancing work and family responsibilities.

“Working in mining requires commitment and careful planning, and the same applies to our personal lives. Learning about family planning has helped me understand that planning my family allows me to protect my health, care for my children, and continue growing professionally. I am leaving today with information that will benefit both me and my family.”

A fellow participant also explained how the testimony inspired her to become an advocate for HIV prevention.

“The Youth Ambassador’s story gave me hope and confidence. It reminded me that HIV can affect anyone, but with early testing and treatment, people can continue living healthy and productive lives. I will share these lessons with my colleagues and encourage my family to embrace HIV testing without fear.”

Throughout the event, RRP+ reinforced the message that economic empowerment and good health go hand in hand. Women can only fully realize their potential when they are healthy, informed, and able to access quality health services. HIV prevention, regular testing, treatment adherence, and informed reproductive health choices are all essential components of women’s empowerment.

The partnership between RRP+ and Trinity Metals Limited demonstrates how collaboration between civil society organizations and the private sector can bring essential health services closer to employees. By integrating HIV awareness and family planning into workplace initiatives, companies are investing not only in the health of their workforce but also in safer, more productive, and more inclusive workplaces.

As RRP+ continues strengthening partnerships with industries across Rwanda, this initiative stands as a powerful example of how collective action can improve lives, empower women, and accelerate the country’s efforts to end HIV as a public health threat.

Key Results

• 400 women reached with HIV awareness and reproductive health education.
• Increased knowledge of HIV prevention, family planning, care, and treatment.
• Improved confidence in the use of HIV self-testing kits and condoms through practical demonstrations.
• The Youth Ambassador’s testimony helped reduce stigma, encouraged HIV testing, and inspired participants to become advocates for HIV prevention within their families and communities.
• Strengthened collaboration between RRP+ and the private sector to promote healthy, inclusive, and productive workplaces.