In the mine-affected area of Malipati, near Zimbabwe’s Sango Border Post, female deminer Rhodah is a symbol of gradual change in a field traditionally dominated by men. Her work with APOPO Mine Action reflects a growing shift towards inclusivity in mine clearance, a sector known for its gender challenges. With APOPO’s goal to establish a landmine-free environment in Zimbabwe by 2025, Rhodah’s role not only contributes to community safety but also nudges the needle towards gender equality in this demanding field.
Early Life and Awareness of Landmines
Rhodah’s early life was marked by the constant threat of landmines. “I got to know about landmines when my grandmother would always warn my brother about not changing pastures for the cattle,” Rhodah recounts.
“We always had beef being sold in different households after cattle stepped on a landmine,” she says. “We had no education about landmines. We only knew that there is a place called , “chiwayana” (the small wire), this referred to the fence which the local community had erected where they suspected the minefield to start.”
“In 2014 ,the Zimbabwe National Army came to the village to assist the victims with prosthetic limbs. started being very inquisitive and wanted to know more about landmines. That is when I got more information,” Rhodah says.
Joining APOPO Mine Action
Before joining APOPO, Rhodah’s life was relatively uneventful, with her time spent in small-scale trade. “I was idle at home, sometimes I would buy and sell clothes and groceries from Mozambique,” she says.
The opportunity to join APOPO represented a significant change. Despite the known risks, Rhodah’s decision to apply was driven by a desire to make a difference. “I was hesitant to apply for the job because of what I had heard about landmines, but in the end I just thought I could take up the challenge,” she explains, highlighting a turning point in her life. “Fortunately, when they recruited, they were not distinguishing between women and men. I thought I’d give it a try for three months and if I couldn’t cope with the job, I would come back home” .
Three months turned into several years and Rhodah is now thriving in her role as team leader at APOPO.
A Female Team Leader’s Journey
As a female team leader in mine action, Rhodah is breaking new ground. Her role challenges not only gender stereotypes but also broader societal perceptions. “Everyday when I wake up, I don’t even remind myself that I am a woman, all I know is I am going to work just like anyone,” she says.
Rhodah’s impact is felt beyond her professional achievements, transforming community perceptions. Initially, men in her community were skeptical, but she has since gained respect and recognition. They now refer to her as “soldier,” a nickname that shows acceptance and respect.
Working with APOPO has brought significant changes to Rhodah’s life. “APOPO has changed so many things in my life, personally I am now self-dependent,” she explains. This independence has allowed her to support her family and embark on new business ventures.
To other female deminers, Rhodah offers advice based on her experiences. “Good things come to those who work hard,” she advises, encouraging them to seize opportunities.
Rhodah’s story of rising through the ranks to the position of team leader is a great example of overcoming challenges in a field considered dangerous and male-dominated. Through her work with APOPO Mine Action, she contributes to making her community safer as well as paving the way for greater gender equality in mine action.
Thanks to the continued support of the U.S. Government and Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), APOPO plans to further increase its impact in the vulnerable communities living next to the minefields, where poverty and food insecurity have posed a challenge for many years. Through consistent financial support and strong collaborations, APOPO aims to provide families with access to safe land, fostering hope for a brighter future. APOPO celebrates and thanks all the women working in our programs for their courage, dedication and hard work. We promote inclusion of women in all positions, and believe finding a gender balance is beneficial to all.
APOPO Mine Action Zimbabwe extends heartfelt gratitude to all donors and partners, whose crucial support is instrumental in the success of our project.
