Обкладинка в стилі АСУ: гендерна пріоритезація

Gender prioritization in demining

The demining process includes several stages: collection of data (non-technical survey), mapping, marking mined areas, clearance of areas from mines and explosive remnants of war (ERW), and transfer of cleared land for further use.

Maximizing community involvement in the demining process is crucial. Women, men, girls and boys of all ages and social groups have unique information about potentially hazardous areas based on their experiences, daily routes and activities. Women in particular can notice details that men may not notice due to differences in their daily tasks and roles.

This makes their contribution invaluable in ensuring comprehensive data collection and improving the accuracy and speed of demining. It is important that non-technical survey teams ensure that each individual has the opportunity to share their knowledge and observations. This can improve the quality and speed of demining by providing a complete picture of the contamination of the areas.

Involving women in all stages of demining, including non-technical survey teams, not only increases the amount of information collected, but also improves the trust of the local community in the process. Women can establish contact with local community representatives, which helps to collect more detailed information about contamination of areas that may remain hidden from outsiders.

It is important to integrate gender equality issues at all stages of demining, from non-technical surveys and team formation to ensuring equal employment and career opportunities for women and men. This will not only ensure a more effective demining process, but also create conditions for greater inclusion and gender equality in communities.

Read UDA’s Gender Policy

gender equality in UDA

Gender prioritization in mine action involves

  1. Needs assessment among the population

Information about the risks from mines and ERW can vary significantly depending on the behaviour and social roles of women, men, girls and boys, and people from vulnerable groups. For example, women who are involved in farming or childcare may have more in-depth knowledge of contaminated areas in residential and agricultural areas. Their knowledge is a valuable source for more accurate identification of hazardous areas. It is important to gather the views of each category on the impact of mines and ERW on their daily activities and to find out how clearing the area might affect their lives. This will allow for a detailed demining plan to be created that takes into account all the needs of the community. The information collected should be systematized by age, gender and vulnerability categories.

  1. Gender-balanced teams

Including women in non-technical survey teams facilitates gender-sensitive data collection, as women can more easily establish contact with local women and girls living in mined areas. Women can also gain information about other aspects of the hazard (e.g. the impact of mines on children’s travel routes to school) that are not covered by all-male teams. Mixed teams, including both men and women, are the best option. This provides a more comprehensive approach to data collection and follow-up.

  1. Announcement of vacancies

Recruitment announcements should be equally accessible to women and men, including those from vulnerable groups. Visual materials should represent women and men of all ages and social groups equally. It is also important to ensure that announcements are distributed through channels that are convenient and accessible to all categories of the population. It is especially important to ensure that women see real examples of women’s participation in these processes, which will help encourage them to join the team.

  1. Preventing sexual harassment

It is necessary to develop a clear mechanism for combating sexual exploitation, bullying and harassment in the work team. All employees should be informed about what to do if such situations arise. Regular training on combating sexual harassment is mandatory for all team members. It is important to create a safe environment where every employee, regardless of gender, can openly report risks.

  1. Targeting information campaigns

To encourage diverse women to apply for jobs in mine action, it is necessary to use communication channels that are familiar and accessible to them. Surveys of target groups should be conducted to identify barriers that prevent them from applying for jobs and to address these barriers by adjusting job advertisements and methods of dissemination.

  1. Gender-oriented job vacancies

Job advertisements should contain all the necessary information about the benefits of working in a team for women and men, as well as describe conditions that are equally acceptable for different categories of employees. Cooperation with women’s organizations and self-help groups will help achieve wider outreach and attract more women to the competition.

  1. Gender-balanced selection for teams

Selection for teams should be gender-balanced. Selection committees should include both men and women. It is important to assess candidates against the same criteria and avoid bias based on their gender roles or personal circumstances.

  1. Data analysis and monitoring

It is necessary to constantly monitor the number of women and men applying for vacancies, participating in training and working in teams, as well as analyze the reasons for dismissal to identify possible manifestations of gender discrimination or other problems.

Understanding gender specificity, active participation of women and ensuring equal opportunities for all at every stage of demining will contribute not only to more effective clearance of territories, but also to increased safety of local communities and strengthening social cohesion. Women, as active participants in these processes, can make an invaluable contribution to the restoration of a safe environment for living.

UDA experience on gender prioritization in demining

Demining is more than a technical process. It is a complex activity that includes analysis, planning, interaction with local communities, marking of hazardous areas, clearance and transfer of cleared land for further safe use. UDA understands that a gender approach is an integral part of each of these stages.

UDA employees gender segmentation

Key aspects of gender prioritization:

  • Maximum community involvement.
    Women, men, girls and boys all have unique perspectives on affected areas. For example, women who have childcare responsibilities or work in agricultural fields often have deeper knowledge about specific areas at risk. We aim to ensure that every voice is heard and information is collected as comprehensively as possible.
  • Gender balanced teams.
    UDA teams include both men and women, providing access to a wider range of information. For example, female inspectors can establish contact with local women, gaining access to information that would otherwise be hidden.
  • Transparent hiring process.
    Vacancy announcements in the UDA make clear provisions about the level of opportunities for men and women. We actively work with women’s organizations to encourage more women to get involved in mine action.
  • Safe working environment.
    UDA has developed internal policies, including a Policy on the Prevention of Discrimination and Sexual Harassment, which ensures the protection of all employees.
  • Education and training.
    All members of the UDA team receive training on gender equality and anti-discrimination, further fostering a culture of inclusion and mutual respect.
  • Monitoring and reporting.
    We constantly analyze the gender balance in teams, collect data on the success of women and men at different stages of work, and report on the progress achieved.

Gender equality as a key to effectiveness.

Understanding gender not only contributes to more effective demining, but also strengthens trust in the demining process. Integrating women at all stages contributes to creating a safe, inclusive environment for communities affected by the consequences of war.


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