Gender integrated into addressing post-war mine aftermaths
(VOVWORLD) - Addressing the consequences of landmines and unexploded ordnance is both a technical task of clearing war remnants and a vital effort to ensure human safety and support socio-economic development, said Colonel Nghiem Xuan Long, Deputy Director General of the Vietnam National Mine Action Center (VNMAC).
 Members of the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) conduct mine clearance operations in Dai Trach commune, Quang Tri province. (Photo: Ta Chuyen/VNA) |
Long addressed a workshop on integrating gender into post-war mine action activities in Vietnam, held in Hanoi on Monday by VNMAC and UNDP. The event served as a forum for sharing practical experiences ahead of the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action on April 4, under the theme “Invest in Peace; Invest in Mine Action.”
Vietnam’s activities in survey, mine clearance, explosive ordnance risk education, and victim assistance all aim to ensure that women, men, children, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups have equal access to services.
While commending Vietnam's progress, Ramla Khalidi, UNDP Resident Representative in Vietnam, emphasized the indispensable role of women, citing a key message supported by global practice that when women are fully involved, results are significantly improved.
She noted that women contribute valuable expertise in areas such as technology, digital mapping, public administration, and community leadership. Their participation helps improve the quality of all stages of mine action, improve data accuracy, and ensure that decisions genuinely reflect the needs of the entire community.