Working for HALO is a family affair for Xhezire—she applied together with her husband back in 2007 and both became deminers. When their children were young, Xhezire took time out to care for them as there are few child care options in Kosovo. However, she re-joined HALO as soon as she could and today works as a deminer paramedic.
What were you doing before you joined HALO?
I am a qualified nurse, but I was never able to find work. In Kosovo, it is very difficult to find a job in the profession in which you are qualified.
What does your family think of you working as a deminer?
Initially they were worried, but now they are fine with it. My husband is also a deminer and they know what we both do for a living. They are proud that our work has a larger impact on our country.
What do other women think of you doing this job?
To start with they are often confused because they don’t really understand what my day-to-day work is like. They think it is something that only men should do, but when I explain to them that I love my job and I love that I am doing something good for my country, then they understand better. Every time I hear something like this I am more determined to do my job well.
What are your ambitions for the future?
There’s not much of a future in Kosovo. If I had the opportunity, I would love to be a nurse working in a hospital or clinic, but there are so few opportunities in my country. I am grateful that HALO is here and while I can’t wait until my country is free from mines and cluster munitions, a part of me wishes that HALO can stay here forever, but I know that is not the case. I try not to think about the future too much – something will work out.
What opportunities has your job given you or your family?
I joined HALO to be able to provide for my family. I’ve been able to pay for my children’s schooling and provide a good life for them. My husband also works for HALO, so between the two of us we have had stability all these years, something many people in Kosovo don’t have.
If you could ask a fellow female deminer from around the world one question, what would it be?
I’d like to know about their work and salary conditions, to see if the procedures are the same as here in Kosovo or if they do things differently to us.
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