Colombian women forge path in emerald mining in an effort to escape poverty

In the emerald mines of Colombia, women are challenging traditional gender roles by taking up power tools and chiseling away at boulders in search of gems.

The lack of job opportunities, combined with the hope of a find that will make them rich, has pushed the women into mining. Colombian emeralds are known around the world for their quality and the best can be sold for thousands of dollars, though most people in the industry aren’t wealthy.

"There are months or years in which I don’t even make $250 from the emerald mines," said Yaneth Forero, one of the women at a small, informal mine near the town of Coscuez, where production has long been centered.