Angelina Chioko has a steely determination and ready smile. She has always been ambitious for her future but up until three years ago there was simply no opportunity for her to show what she could achieve. Then in 2015, she saw the chance to work for HALO Zimbabwe and since day one has more than proven her ability– recently being promoted to supervisor.
What were you doing before you joined HALO?
I was a farmer. My job for HALO is my first formal job. I always had self-belief, that I could achieve something in life, but what I was missing was the opportunity. I got that opportunity with HALO.
What does your family think of you working as a deminer?
Of course my family was worried at first. But I was able to explain to them that we work to a very strict set of procedures, and that safety is always our highest priority. They are much more relaxed about my job these days, and I know they are proud. They understand it is a good and very worthwhile job that benefits our community.
What’s it like living in remote camps?
Apart from being separated from my kids for three weeks each month, I find that living in camp is fine—although the beds are a little uncomfortable! We have sports teams in camp and television—but I prefer reading on my own after work.
What’s it like living away from your family?
My kids stay with my mother near Mukumbura, the village where I grew up. Of course I miss them but life is a compromise. I am now able to earn enough money to support them and to give them greater opportunities in life.
What do other women think of you doing this job?
Other women seem to be quite impressed. They see that my life has improved a lot in the last few years and it is quite common for other women to ask me how they can become a deminer too!
What are your ambitions for the future?
I have just been promoted to supervisor, so I am now responsible for around 20-25 people in the field. However, I hope that if I continue to work hard, one day I can reach the level of senior supervisor, which will mean I am responsible for a location of around 100 people. To be honest, at the moment, I am entirely focused on work—so I don’t really have an ambition outside of HALO.
What opportunities has your job given you or your family?
I can now send my kids to school without taking out a credit loan. It has also allowed me to improve my house and I have bought three cows. I am grateful for the opportunity that I have been given as there are very few working opportunities for women and men in this community.
If you could ask a fellow female deminer from around the world one question, what would it be?
I would ask “Do you think there is a difference between men and women deminers?”
Personally, I don’t consider any difference between men and women in the field. The male and female deminers respect each other in this organisation, after all, we are all doing the same, difficult job.
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