Resilient, determined, hardworking – these are just a few characteristics of the women who go out into minefields every day and painstakingly work to remove unexploded ordnances. Through their hard work communities are made safe and people can return to their homes and start rebuilding their lives. This International Women’s Day we are highlighting a few of their amazing stories.

In the Savannakhet providence of Laos is Amphaiphone, a HALO supervisor who is hard at work leading her team in identifying and destroying mines.

“When we find unexploded ordnance, I make a demolition plan. I determine where to put the sentries because this item is a BLU-24 cluster bomb. The locals in the area have to be moved 150 meters away from the demolition site,” said Amphaiphone.

She didn’t start out as a HALO supervisor though. Amphaiphone used to work in her family’s fields before the mission of HALO called her name. At first, she started out as a technician, but as time went on she rose through the ranks.

“I have learned and grown into the role and I am good at my job. I am very proud that I reached the supervisor position,” she said.

Thanks to HALO she is able to earn a living and is helping keep the people in the village safe.

Women in Sri Lanka are also paving the way forward for women to work in the tech and demining sectors through the HALO Trust. They shared some advice with our team for women who are interested in working in the field.

"To women who want to join the sector, I would tell them to get ready to work hard. The job is challenging but it’s rewarding too."
Balasingham Jeyalalitha, Operator
"Women can do anything. It doesn’t matter what skills you had before, you will learn new ones. All you need is to believe in yourself."
Srisakthi, Completion Survey Officer

At the HALO Trust we are proud to employ women in 26 countries around the world. Through employment women can support themselves and their families while also making their communities safe. These incredible women are changing the world. Today and every day we celebrate them.

Happy International Women’s Day!