“It can be difficult for women to receive training within the weapons and ammunition sector and the Women Managing Weapons project gives the opportunity to many who would not have the chance.”
With the support of The Government of Canada HALO is promoting gender mainstreaming of the peace and security sector by providing technical training opportunities for women.
HALO works with host-nations to develop comprehensive weapons and ammunition management systems, build secure infrastructure, and provide professional development for security force personnel, reducing the human suffering caused by uncontrolled weapon stockpiles.
Nama joined HALO’s programme in Libya in 2020, working on local liaison as an area coordinator. Central to her role has been building and maintaining successful relationships with national stakeholders. As HALO’s weapons and ammunition management (WAM) portfolio in Libya and North Africa expands, there will be increased opportunities for Nama to lead and oversee technical activities.
Before joining HALO Nama completed a bachelor’s degree in medicine and surgery. After completing her training Nama decided to embark on a new career path, and shortly thereafter joined HALO, drawn by the humanitarian ethos of our work.
In July 2024, Nama participated in a comprehensive two-week weapons marking and registration training course in Accra, Ghana. As part of this training Nama not only developed technical competencies but also, importantly, developed her knowledge on international legal frameworks and treaty commitments related to weapons marking and registration. This complementary knowledge will be imperative for Nama in any future work she undertakes with HALO.
The training, part of HALO’s broader efforts to enhance technical skills for our partners, equipped Nama and other participants with competencies on the practical elements of marking to prepare participants to implement marking and registration activities critical for their current or future roles. This includes the use of marking machines, the registration of weapons, the planning and implementation of activities and problem solving.
“Women participating in weapons and ammunition management courses is essential and necessary to achieve gender equality in the sector,” Nama shared. “With training and the development of technical skills, women, including myself, can better compete for senior management level positions.”
Nama and other women in HALO’s technical trainings are playing a vital role in shaping a more secure future in the countries and regions in which they work. With their expertise, they are contributing significantly to safer communities and more effective weapons management.
This work is made possible thanks to the support of the Government of Canada.
