Women engage in de-mining with MAG in South Lebanon

Al Nahar newspaper published a report last week about ten women who joined the field team specializing in de-mining and as part of MAG organisation, working in South Lebanon under the supervision of the Lebanese army, and despite the lukewarm reception of the community which is still struggling to accept their audacity.  The report highlights the experiences of these 10 women and the various reasons that led them to go into this very dangerous job, which until recently, was the bastion of men.  The newspaper report also focuses on the experiences of these women some six months after joining MAG field teams.  Fatmeh Ghandour (28 years) indicates for instance that she was encouraged to join because she wanted to avenge her father in law who died few years ago because of a landmine.  She does not conceal however that the generous income was also a decisive factor as this will allow her to support her fiancé.  She notes that the task extremely dangerous as the first mistake is generally the last.  She also indicated that the dangerous nature of the job does not make it less interesting.  Fatmeh (30 years), a divorced woman with two children, notes that she did not find any better opportunity than to work in this field to ensure a good livelihood for her and her children.  She adds that this work has given her self confidence and has changed society’s perception as she is no longer seen as the weak divorcee who cannot face life’s challenges.  Amal Nader (32 years) was motivated to join the de-mining job for the same reasons.  She added that working on de-mining in the South has strengthened her belonging to the South and has made her feel heroic.
Source: Al-Nahar 28 July 2013