You are donating in GBP, switch to USD.
Angola鈥檚 three decades of civil war left behind a devastating legacy of landmines and unexploded bombs, affecting the everyday life of thousands of people. Although men, women, boys and girls were all impacted in different ways, concluded that women were the most affected by malnutrition, poverty, illiteracy and unemployment.
In 2017, HALO launched a unique project in Angola to train and employ all-female demining teams, creating a space for women鈥檚 empowerment whilst clearing landmines and making land safe.聽In 2021, the project recruited its 100th member when a further 41 women passed their training and three new all-female demining sections began work in Benguela.聽HALO Angola will continue to recruit and train more female staff over the coming months and years, seeing the 鈥100 Women in Demining鈥 project as a milestone rather than a finish line.
"I think it is very important that women are clearing the landmines in Angola. I am very proud and feel so strong now I am doing this work."
In Angola, there are few regular work opportunities for women, leaving many families struggling to survive. All the women recruited to the project come from low income communities, over 80 per cent are single mothers and for one in five, this is their first proper job.
The women have the chance to learn new skills鈥攆rom clearing landmines, vehicle maintenance and mechanics, to paramedic first aid and leadership.
鈥淚t was my dream since I was small to be a driver because my father was a truck driver. Some people say that this job driving these big vehicles is not for women, but I say that whoever believes, man or woman, can achieve their dreams.鈥
The village of Kanenguerere was surrounded by five minefields, which was threatening the lives of local people. Our female clearance teams worked tirelessly to clear the landmines and today, with the support of Eni, a new school has been built so the children can grow up safely and realise their dreams. Student numbers have already risen from 15 to 25.
As Angola has rebuilt, employment, access to education and health services continue to predominantly benefit men.聽By creating jobs for women where opportunities are scarce, they are able to take control of their lives and play an important role in the future of their country.
鈥淚 didn鈥檛 believe women would be doing this difficult job. Then I saw them clearing the landmines and I started to believe they could do this and make our land safe.鈥
You are donating in GBP, switch to USD.
Share this
The HALO Trust | Copyright 海角社区© 2024
CARRONFOOT, THORNHILL,聽DUMFRIES, DG3 5BF
The HALO Trust is a company limited by guarantee.聽Registered in England No. 2228587.聽Registered Charity No. 1001813 and (in Scotland) SC037870. Registered Office:聽One Bartholomew Close, Barts Square, London EC1A 7BL
The HALO Trust (USA), Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit聽organization US Federal Tax ID Number 52-2158152
Office: 1730 Rhode Island Ave NW, Suite 206,聽Washington, DC 20036聽
By registering for our updates, or making a donation to us,聽you expressly agree to your information being used by The HALO Trust and The HALO Trust (USA), Inc. in accordance with our privacy protection policy. You can聽聽at any time.