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The Conversation

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Two women from different parts of the world share the stories of their lives

Two women from different parts of the world, united by a common passion, experience or expertise, share the stories of their lives.

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The Conversation: Diamonds transforming women’s lives

Magazines & Reviews

Anna Marie Johnson and Naseem Lahri

28/11/2022 GMT

Diamonds transforming women’s lives

BBC World Service - The Conversation, Diamonds transforming women’s lives

Kim talks to a diamond polisher in Namibia and the first woman to run a mine in Botswana

A diamond polisher from Namibia and the first woman to run a diamond mine in Botswana tell Kim Chakanetsa how the industry shaped and transformed their lives.

While synonymous with status and romance, diamonds have also been linked to controversy, colonialism and conflict. Kim Chakanetsa talks to two women whose lives have been shaped and transformed by the diamond industry in Botswana and Namibia.

Anna Marie Johnson was paralysed at the age of eight. Reliant on a wheelchair, she missed out on completing her education. She's found a new lease of life and renewed ambition as part of a diverse workforce at Andre Messika in Windhoek, Namibia.

Naseem Lahri is the first woman, and the first female citizen of Botswana, to run a diamond mine in the country. She says she's a product of diamond mining through the funding the industry puts into education in her country and that she's delighted to be part of the process giving back to the local community.

Produced by Jane Thurlow

(Image: (L) Anna Marie Johnson, credit Natural Diamond Council. (R) Naseem Lahri, credit Lucara Diamond.)

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