Objectives and Relevance
Overall, this session will bring attention to the ways in which the injustices, violence and destruction perpetuated by the mining industry have particularly negative impacts on the lives and livelihoods of women. Although the dialogues and debates that will emerge will be spontaneous, and determined by participants, it is anticipated that the session will engage both the panellists and audience in a participatory process of critical reflection on the current and future realities of movement and alliance building amongst marginalized women, and their allies. Of particular relevance to this debate are issues of environmental, social and economic justice from a feminist standpoint. From our perspective, it is crucial to build bridges of solidarity with other like-minded activists mobilizing on related issues in order to form networks of support that could strengthen our analysis and activism on the gendered impact of unsustainable neoliberal economics, the policies of IFIs and militarization.

Although there has been publicity about the destructive environmental effects of mining, it is rare to hear a gendered perspective on the community impacts, including the resulting devastation on individual and community health, access to services, communal relationships, access to clean water and traditional lands, Indigenous territorial claims, traditional livelihood practices and labour rights standards. Indeed, the women community activists from mining affected communities, rarely have opportunities to speak out and share their insights in public forums—particularly those with an international scope—or to collaborate with other social movements to strengthen their strategies, perspectives, analysis and ability to publicize their cause. Therefore, it is hoped that the proposed AWID session would provide such a space for mutual learning and innovation, with our eyes collectively on future mobilizations and movement building.

Description/Methodology
An opening dialogue will be facilitated amongst the activist guests, each of whom will describe their own experiences of mining and how they--along with their communities--are mobilizing against the devastating imapcts of mining. From this discussion, we will transition into a debate about building movements and alliances, to address challenges and achievements in local national, regional and global joint work with members of other social movements.

All participants will be encouraged to contribute ideas on how effective alliances can be built. The session will be interspersed with short videos and photo slideshows to demonstrate the destructive impacts of mining on our communities, and the ways in which women are taking a strong stand on the front lines of struggles for social, economic and environmental justice.

Lily Rossemary Ardaya Claure (Rossemary), Bolivia - Presenter: Growing up in a community affected by mining, Rossemary has been highly involved in social activism. She held a position in the Permanent Assembly of Human Rights of Bolivia, founded the Confederacy of Women – Huanuni, and coordinated the National Women and Mining Network as well as the “Project to Support the Development of Alternatives for Women in the Mines”. For ten years, Rossemary worked with the ‘Centre to Support Popular Education’ to mobilize women and produce a radio programme. She has participated in research teams on mining, and is organizing a project to promote food security and alternative health practices.