Vietnam’s Female Deminers: Clearing a Dangerous Legacy
CISR
This headline is brought to you by the Center for International Stabilization and Recovery (CISR) which works to support resilience and recovery in global communities affected by war and conflict.
(The Times) Nearly 50 years after the Vietnam War, an all-female demining team in Quang Tri province is clearing unexploded ordnance (UXO) left behind from the conflict. Led by Tran Thi Ly Vaan, these 13 women work tirelessly to make the land safe, despite the dangers. The team has cleared 112 UXOs in 109 days, often working under intense heat and challenging conditions. For them, this work is more than a job—it’s a mission to heal their homeland and protect future generations.
Their efforts contribute to the broader goals of the Mines Advisory Group (MAG), which aims to clear Quang Tri province by 2035. The team’s success not only reduces risks but also serves as a powerful example of women’s roles in post-conflict recovery. Their dedication has already unlocked economic opportunities for hundreds of local households, transforming once-dangerous land into productive farmland.
