COVID-19 Risks and Effects on the Women, Children and Resource-Dependent Communities in the Case of Extractive Industry 2020 in Tanzania

The COVID-19 pandemic represents a shared global socio-economic struggle against an invisible public health enemy. Not only women, children and resource-dependent communities are contracting COVID-19, but also they are among the most severely impacted socio-economic entities. The COVID-19 pandemic is profoundly affecting the everyday lives of women, child laborers and resource-dependent communities. Their physical and mental health, their social and the economic circumstances are also adversely affected. Social distancing requirements, business closures and travel restrictions associated with COVID-19 have all led to a drop in socio-economic activities, the losses of incomes and livelihoods, and increased household poverty. The paper assesses the level of risks for women, children and resource-dependent communities in the COVID-19 situation in the extractive sector in Tanzania. This descriptive paper uses results of the HR field research survey of 2020 that included stakeholders’ workshop, intensive desk study or literature review, field research surveys, data management and policy analysis.

The viruses that cause COVID-19 have high health risks of effecting and affecting people of all ages, gender, races and nations. The levels of risks for women violence, child and youth labour unemployment and resource-dependent communities are high.

The paper recommends that the government and all extractive sector companies should ensure there is no child labour and should enhance youth employment. It is also recommended that children be protected from all possible health hazards. Extractive industries have to create employment opportunities for both male and female youths. All the extractive sector firms have to embark on sustainable Corporate Social Responsibility strategies so as to minimize COVID-19 risks to all resource-dependent communities.