Artisanal and small-scale mining in the war-torn eastern region of eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) represents a microcosm of many of the gendered factors at play in conflict environments. These mining sites - with their easily accessed riches and lack of government oversight - are focal points for armed group engagement, human trafficking and other human rights abuses. Yet, these areas also provide a rare and productive economic driver accessible both to women and men in an otherwise conflict-ravaged economy. In this Insights to Action, Dr. Jocelyn Kelly discussed her work in these sites measuring human trafficking - one of the most hidden and difficult to identify human rights abuses. She also reflected on effective ways to leverage research to improve programming and policies for women in these highly complex environments. Dr. Kelly’s project has helped change the way that USAID and the World Bank support women’s rights in these areas and has directly contributed to the formation of the National Women’s Artisanal Mining Network in DRC.
