Elisa Kembo Troco Chivela from Angola is a single mother to a three year old son. She joined HALO in May 2017 as part of the first cohort of female deminers recruited to HALO Angola’s 100 Women In Demining Project, an initiative seeking to provide employment opportunities and empowerment to women living in Benguela Province. Since then, she has worked in some of the densest minefields in the country, including around the town of Cuito Cuanavale, scene of one of the pivotal battles of the Angolan Civil War.
What were you doing before you joined HALO?
I previously worked as a nurse in several health posts in Bocoio District, Benguela Province—which is where I first encountered the work of HALO. I was working close to a HALO minefield and became curious as to what they were doing there. I would often ask the passing deminers about their work, such as the different markings they used and what they meant.
What does your family think about you working as a deminer?
Initially they were a little scared and nervous because they believed clearing mines was dangerous work, but after I explained what we actually do and the training that we receive, they understood. Now they are supportive of my choice.
How is it living in remote camps?
I like it because we are situated really close to where we work and I am living with colleagues who are also my friends. It’s nice to be with people who are familiar with the same kind of problems that I face.
How is it living far from your family?
It can be complicated, especially as I am so far away from my son. Sometimes I feel out of touch with what is happening at home and I miss my family but earning an income means life is also much easier for us now.
What do other women think about you doing this type of work?
Some people think that it’s the type of work that men do, so when they know you are a deminer they understand that you are someone who really works hard. In my community I feel people respect me when I tell them that I work as a deminer and I enjoy the fact that the kind of work I do is unique and of real quality. That motivates me to keep doing this and achieve more in demining.
What are your ambitions for the future?
Within HALO I would like to become the first female Minefield Supervisor in my home province of Benguela, not just because it’s a better job, but because it will increase my own capabilities and experience, as well improving the security of my country. I want to contribute to my country, assist in its development and ensure that the work I do makes a difference to the lives of children and people working the land.
Outside of work, my ambition is to open a small business like a pharmacy or a clinic, where people can receive the kind of medical treatment that they need.
What opportunities has your job provided for you or your family?
I can now resolve many problems that were previously beyond my financial means and can purchase those things that I see as necessities. Life was much harder before, but now things have really improved in terms of my capacity to help myself. As a family, we now have less worries about those day-to-day issues that used to affect our lives. I can also think about other opportunities like opening a small business.
If you could ask a fellow female deminer from around the world one question, what would it be?
I would want to know what are the kind of difficulties you face when you are working in the minefield? I think things must be very different elsewhere because the conditions that each of us face in separate countries are so varied.
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