HALO employs some incredible women in our programmes across the world. Often these women challenge traditional stereotypes and become voices for change in their own communities. On International Women's Day we want to celebrate our female staff, bringing you their personal stories of challenges overcome, ambitions realised and potential fulfilled. Discover their stories below.
Angelina: Supervisor, Zimbabwe
“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.”
Sok Seng: Field Officer, Cambodia
“When I first joined HALO I was shy to work among so many men but I also felt encouraged because HALO believes in equality and treats men and women the same.”
Sirun: Deminer, Nagorno Karabakh
“I call on our women and girls to come and do this work. If you come, you’ll be convinced and won’t regret it!”
Xhezire: Deminer Paramedic, Kosovo
“People think my job 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.”
Nimco: Deminer Paramedic, Somaliland
“Thanks to my job with HALO I was able to raise my children and pay for their schooling. Some are even in university now.”
Tela: Impact Monitoring Team, Afghanistan
“I just want to say how amazed and proud I am that there are women in the world working as deminers. Females working as deminers shows that we are just as capable as men and that is something to be very proud of.”
Verni: Quality Assurance & Training Officer, Sri Lanka
"By doing this work, I have been able to support my sister and brother in law’s education. I’ve also bought land, a motorbike and cattle, and built a house."
Elisa: Deminer Paramedic, Angola
“When people know you are a deminer they understand that you are someone who really works hard. In my community I feel people respect me when I tell them that I work as a deminer.”
Eliana: Demining Leader, Colombia
“I feel I am making a contribution to the community, and as such, to the country. In my own small way, I am helping the peace process in Colombia.”
Vandala: Survey Team Leader, Laos
“My family are happy and proud of my work. We do not have very much money and my job means I can support some of our costs.”
