Empowering women
HALO provides employment, training and leadership in demining for women, creating safer communities while supporting economic independence and long-term local resilience.
Clearing landmines is not for the faint-hearted, but it can be rewarding to make your local community safe. Many incredible women around the world have stepped up to the challenge and taken on roles as deminers, supervisors, paramedics, mechanics or translators for HALO. The local women we employ often become agents of change in their own communities. Their participation in mine action, newfound skills and income all support economic justice within their communities.
I always had self-belief that I could achieve something in life, but I needed the opportunity.
Now, I can send my kids to school without taking out a loan. I am grateful for the opportunity that I have been given as there are very few jobs for women or men in this community.
Women at HALO
Across HALO's workforce, 95% of our staff come from the communities we serve and an increasing number are women. We're committed to mine action and arms control that is effective and reflective of the diverse communities we serve. Our work is in line with UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.
In Angola, 45% of our overall workforce are women, rising to 56% among operational staff.
A survey of HALO staff in Zimbabwe found almost 90% of women employees were the primary earner, supporting an average of eight other family members.
In Somaliland, almost 90% of our women staff are the family's main breadwinner, but they spend 60% of their income on childcare-related expenses.
In Iraq, women face significant challenges in gaining stable employment after years of conflict, displacement, and social attitudes about women's role in society. Childcare responsibilities tend to fall disproportionately on women.
Women managing weapons
Women's empowerment is central to HALO's weapons and ammunition management (WAM) program.
Poorly managed weapons pose serious risks to the safety and security of communities. Inclusive approaches deliver better results.
HALO promotes women's participation in technical, operational, and leadership roles. This provides access to training and mentorship, creating pathways for women to influence security policy.
Around 50% of our weapons management project managers around the world are women.
Support for women
Childcare and related expenses are one of the major obstacles to women's meaningful participation in mine action. We've taken several steps to provide support for mothers who work for HALO:
Childcare stipends so mothers with young children have the opportunity to return to work
The provision of baby boxes for new mothers, including essentials such as, baby clothes, mosquito nets, diapers, blankets and hygiene supplies
School supplies boxes with uniform, school bag, stationery supplies and oral hygiene essentials
I was the first female mech operator in HALO Sri Lanka.
Since I started, other women have also become operators. I am proud of this and like to think I inspired them. You must be strong to be an operator. I try to encourage more women to come forward and take on the challenge.
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