On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the incredible women who are breaking barriers in fields traditionally dominated by men. One of these women is Clementina, a dedicated deminer working with APOPO in Angola. Originally from Banza Congo, Zaire Province, Clementina has spent the past five years working to clear landmines, making communities safer and helping return land to the people.
Her journey into demining was not an obvious one. Like many, she faced challenges, doubts from others, and the uncertainty of working in a dangerous field. Yet, through determination, skill, and a deep sense of purpose, she has built a career that she is immensely proud of.
Here, in her own words, Clementina shares what it means to be a female deminer, how she got started, and why she believes more women should consider this work.
I Am Proud to Be a Deminer
My name is Clementina, I am 47 years old. I was born in Banza Congo, in Zaire Province, Angola. I have been working with APOPO for five years now. But before that, I was with NPA (Norwegian People’s Aid), also doing demining work. When my contract ended, I found myself at home, unemployed. I was trading at the market to support myself and my family.
It was then that my former colleague, Gildo, found out that I was out of work. He reached out to me and told me about an opportunity with APOPO. That was how I joined, and from that moment, my life changed.
A Typical Day in the Minefield
When I first started, it was a bit difficult, but over time, I adapted to the job. Now, I am doing well. I do what I need to do.
My day starts at five in the morning. I wake up, prepare breakfast, get dressed in my uniform, and go to the field. Once we arrive, the first thing we do is calibrate our detectors. This is to make sure they are working well before we start. We rely on our metal detectors to keep safe. After that, I go to my section, place my equipment in position, and start setting up for the day.
Before we begin clearing an area, we must conduct a visual and manual check. We check first with our eyes to see if there are any tripwires. Then, we use our hands, carefully feeling from the bottom up. Only when we confirm that there are no immediate dangers can we start clearing the vegetation.
After cutting the vegetation, I sweep the area with my detector. The moment every deminer waits for is when the detector gives a reading — a possible mine. When you hear a reading, you measure 30 centimeters from the point horizontally and start excavation.
I remember the first time I found a mine. I followed my training step by step. For us, any reading from the detector is a mine until proven otherwise. I carefully excavated, and at about five centimeters deep, my tool touched something. It was a mine. Was I afraid? No. I was well-trained. I knew what to do, and I followed the procedure.
More Than a Job — A Life-Changing Opportunity
Working with APOPO has brought stability to my life. I can support my family. I can provide for my child’s education. This job has allowed me to build a future, something that would have been much harder without it.
Still, many people question why a woman would choose to work in demining. “Even some men say, ‘You are brave! This is not work for women.’” In the beginning, people assumed I was just there to cook. They didn’t believe I could do the actual work of detecting and clearing landmines. But I proved them wrong. Now, I am proud to say I am a deminer. I am part of a mission to make Angola mine-free, to give people back their land, their safety, and their freedom.
Encouraging More Women to Join
For women who might be considering this line of work, I have one message: There is no big mystery to demining. It is something you learn. If you are unemployed and looking for an opportunity, APOPO and demining offer training and support. There is no ‘monster’ in demining — it is a skill, just like any other. Women can do it, too.
Proud to Be a Deminer
At the end of the day, this job is not just about clearing mines — It’s about making sure that children can play freely, that farmers can plant their crops safely, and that families can live without fear.
When I started, people doubted me. They said, ‘You are just cooks, you can’t do this work.’ But now, they see the truth. I take pride in what I do. I am more than a woman — I am a deminer.”
All Photos © Cassandre Nativel
HOW YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE:
APOPO, we are proud to employ incredible women who not only drive our mission forward but also challenge traditional stereotypes, becoming powerful voices for change in their communities.
This International Women’s Day (#IWD2025), stand with us in celebrating their impact.
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