Empowering Women in Mine Action - Panel Discussion

Organized by: UNMAS, UN Women, Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations in New York
Panel Chair: Director, UNMAS
Panellists: Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan, Representative of UN Women, Colombian deminer, Marco Grob photographer

Three short films about women in Mine Action will be screened.

The impact and efficiency of mine action work does increase when women are allowed to contribute and when specific needs and requirements of men and women are taken into account. This year's International Day of Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action is dedicated to the important contribution made by women. The United Nations wants to recognize this contribution and bring attention to the women who carry out surveys and threat assessments; reach out to communities to teach them how to live safely in contaminated areas; initiate, coordinate and provide assistance to victims of explosive hazards and ensure that their specific needs and requirements are not ignored.

Women must be empowered in all societies to be part of important activities and decisions about peace, security and development.