International Women's Day 2026

On International Women’s Day, March 8th, we recognise the vital contributions women make to MAG’s work around the world, supporting communities as they recover and rebuild after conflict.

Across MAG, women are deminers, leaders, community liaisons, and advocates.

At a time when conflict and instability continue to impact millions, women’s leadership and participation remain essential to lasting recovery and peace.

Meet some of the women of MAG:

A new book published by MAG, Stories of Brave Lao Women in a Forgotten War, shares a powerful collection of real-life stories honouring women working on the frontlines of unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance in Laos. 

Written by Kabkeo Thammavong, the book captures the lived experiences of women helping make land safe for communities across the country.

Laos continues to face the legacy of past wars, with unexploded bombs threatening lives and limiting access to land, education, and development. Through the stories of eight MAG staff involved in UXO clearance, the book highlights the challenges of their work and the hope it brings to communities rebuilding their lives.

The book features MAG staff members Manixia Thor, Bounma Phengyaseng, Khamlar Seebounheung, Boualapha Inthavongsa, Anoudsala Phichit, Maxmani Mangnormek, Xonlisa Bouyhuksylavong, and Fongsamout Saymala.

Reflecting on her work, Manixia, National Technical Field Manager, said: “True success isn’t measured by how many bombs we remove, but by the lives we protect and the safety we help restore. You see it in farmers who can finally work their land without fear, in children who can play freely, and in communities that can live again on land once destroyed by war. Every cleared area isn’t just land – it’s new hope” 

Learn more about the new book here.

In Ukraine, MAG’s all-female clearance team – comprised of five deminers and a team leader – has been working in Kharkiv region, supporting clearance in areas contaminated by anti-personnel and anti-vehicle mines, cluster munitions, and other unexploded ordnance.

Their work has contributed to over 33,000 sqm of cleared land and approximately 165,000 sqm reduced through the use of Technical Survey Dogs, with further clearance planned in 2026.

Through manual clearance, technical survey, and ground preparation, the team continues to support safe land release in one of Ukraine’s most heavily contaminated regions.

Nataliia, Team Leader, said: “My colleagues are brave and hardworking, and they never say ‘no’ to any task. We are strongly motivated to clear Ukrainian land and make it safe for our children and communities.

“Our former team leader, Iryna, recognised my potential and encouraged me to take on this role. Even now she continues to share her knowledge and advice – a real example of solidarity and mutual support between women.”

Sara Teklay G/yowhans is part of MAG's Explosive Ordnance Risk Education team in Ethiopia. She delivers awareness sessions in communities – particularly for women and children – to increase understanding of the dangers posed by explosive remnants of war and to promote safe behaviours that help protect lives.

“I joined MAG because I believe every woman and every child deserves to live in a safe and secure environment," Sara explains. "Today, I celebrate the strength of women everywhere and remain committed to building safer futures for communities across Ethiopia.”

Julieta is the Country Director for Perú and the Northern Triangle (Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador). She leads the strategic planning and delivery of operations, ensuring activities are safe, compliant, and aligned with donor requirements and national priorities. She also manages partnerships with government counterparts and stakeholders, while making sure the team has the systems, training, and support needed to deliver sustainable impact.

“I wanted to be involved in this work because I come from, and grew up in, a country where armed violence affected daily life and shaped what safety and opportunity looked like for communities. That experience stayed with me, and it’s why I chose to support organisations working on the ground to reduce the risks of armed violence. And I hope that one day I can bring that same support and experience to help advance this work in my own country as well.”

Abegail joined MAG last year as Finance Officer for the Caribbean programme. In her role, she supports financial oversight, forecasting and compliance to help ensure our programmes are delivered responsibly and effectively. 

“I believe that strong financial management is not just about numbers it’s about creating structure and accountability so meaningful work can happen. I was drawn to MAG because I wanted to be part of work that contributes to safer, more stable communities. Being part of a team that supports communities affected by conflict and violence is deeply meaningful to me, and knowing that my role helps strengthen the foundation behind that work gives purpose to what I do each day.”

For Mofida, Technical Field Manager in Syria, her work centres on one crucial goal. “Whether it's cluster munitions, mines or IEDs, it's not about the number of items I'm removing,” she said. “It's about the people and the lives we are saving.”

Mofida has led countless clearance missions since joining the team in 2016. Originally from neighbouring Lebanon, Mofida swapped her family wedding business for demining almost a decade ago to support UXO clearance along the Blue Line. Then, in late 2023, she came to Syria, where her work has taken on new urgency.

“I don't count the number of items as much as I count the number of lives we are helping,” she said. “It's about sustainable development for the economy itself,” Mofida added. “Especially for the displaced people, who will be able to return home to build their residence, to use their lands, whether to build houses or to plant it or for grazing or even for any industrial use.”

Francisca is currently working as Community Liaison Officer in Senegal, but wants to protect her community by training to be a deminer.

“I am pursuing my goal of contributing more to my community by training as a deminer with MAG as part of the Clear Casamance project. During this training, I have learned a great deal from both my peers and supervisors. It has been an enriching experience. Engaging directly with communities motivates me to persevere.

“Talking about risk reduction and preventing injuries from explosive remnants is not just theory – it is realised through the clearance of contaminated areas. In this role, we conduct manual demining operations according to Humanitarian Mine Action standards. Once suspected or confirmed dangerous areas are cleared, communities can finally return to their land after years of displacement or uncertainty and safely resume their activities without the risks posed by explosive remnants.”