Community Protection
Ms. Diep Thi Giang - a mine clearance worker in Quang Binh of Mines Advisory Group (MAG) - a non-governmental organization that conducts humanitarian mine clearance activities in areas where war has occurred or is occurring. Ms. Giang started participating in MAG in 2022, her first job was as a grass cutter, clearing bushes at the site, in preparation for clearance work.
“I realized that this job is not just about cutting grass but also creating safe roads for my colleagues. Every time I complete a cleared area, I feel like I am contributing a small part to protecting the community,” said Ms. Giang.
After a period of support and training, Ms. Giang became a bomb disposal officer. This is both her pride and her responsibility.
She believes that each time she performs a task, she needs to check carefully and accurately, hoping to bring the land clean of bombs and bullets so that people can feel secure in their production.
Along with Ms. Giang, Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Xuyen is also working as a community liaison officer for MAG in Quang Binh. Her main job is to conduct non-technical surveys, initially identifying areas contaminated with bombs and mines that need to be cleared.
Ms. Xuyen shared that her job gives her the opportunity to meet many people in the community through village and commune meetings.
To map out a contaminated area, she and her colleagues need information about the village's history, locations where bombs and mines have been discovered, accidents involving bombs and mines, and future land use plans.
After completing the survey and identifying polluted areas, MAG proceeded to clear the areas in order of priority by local authorities, returning clean land to the people, helping them feel secure in building and farming.
Ms. Xuyen still remembers one time when she was working in the community, people greeted her and her colleagues: “Hello, you two!” Perhaps, due to the dangerous nature of bombs and mines, most people thought that only men could take on this job.
“Although there are more men in the organization, we are still confident in our expertise. The working environment I am in is very professional, everyone is positive and helps each other,” Ms. Xuyen confided.
Educating people about landmines
Or Ms. Le Thi Phuong Thao - who has been with MAG in Quang Binh for more than 14 years as a community liaison officer. As someone who loves to explore, learn and interact, she shared: "When I learned that MAG needed this position, I applied and thought that I could contribute a little effort, acting as a bridge between MAG and the community."
The job she loves most is mine risk education, helping adults and children know how to protect themselves from unfortunate accidents.
Every day, she goes to each village and classroom to propagate and help grandparents, uncles, aunts and students better understand the danger of bombs and mines.
Every time she stands on the podium, Ms. Thao imparts her knowledge to the students through games, stories and pictures.
“Being called ‘Miss’ by the students is an unforgettable memory and a joy in my job. Sometimes, when they see me on the street, they also greet me with their arms around me: ‘Hello Miss’, which makes me love this job so much,” Thao said sadly.
The above MAG beauties in Quang Binh are proof of the hardships and dangers to carry out difficult tasks. They demonstrate the role of contemporary women.
