Empowering Women
to Rebuild
a Safer Ukraine
Join She Demines — a specialised programme designed to equip Ukrainian women with nationally aligned training, practical field skills, and job-ready qualifications to work in mine action.
Financial partners:
Core partners:
She Demines
Programme
She Demines is a programme created by UN Women and supported by the Governments of Canada and Croatia that empowers Ukrainian women to step into mine action and help make communities safe again.
About the Programme
Through nationally aligned training and hands-on learning, participants gain job-ready skills in various technical areas in Mine Action. Alongside technical qualifications, the programme builds resilience, confidence, and leadership, recognizing the realities of safety-critical fieldwork.
Graduates of She Demines are prepared to work in state and non-state as mine action operators, strengthening a skilled, inclusive, and nationally led mine action workforce for Ukraine’s future.
The She Demines programme
includes two main training tracks:
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Technical Training in Mine Action
This track provides practical, job-oriented preparation in key areas of mine action, allowing participants to choose a pathway aligned with their strengths and goals.Apply to Technical Training
Training options include an introductory course covering advanced medical first aid, Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE), and drone operation; Non-Technical Survey (NTS) focused on mapping hazardous areas and community engagement; Basic Demining and Safety Procedures centred on land clearance and strict safety standards; and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) dedicated to mapping and field data management. -
Leadership & empowerment support:
Beyond technical skills, She Demines strengthens resilience, confidence, and long-term career growth.Apply for Leadership Support
Participants receive psychosocial support focused on stress management and burnout prevention, as well as financial literacy training to enhance personal and household stability.
Career counselling, mentoring, peer support, and CV preparation help women enter and advance in traditionally male-dominated sectors, while integrated leadership development prepares them to grow and lead within the field.
What the
programme offers
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Nationally aligned certification
Receive formal accreditation that meets Ukrainian national standards for mine action. This certification validates your expertise and ensures you are fully qualified to operate within the country’s regulatory framework.
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Career & operator access
Connect directly with leading humanitarian demining organizations and commercial operators. We bridge the gap between trained professionals and employers looking for skilled personnel to join their teams.
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Public & private networking
Gain entry into an exclusive ecosystem of mine action stakeholders. Build relationships with government officials, international NGOs, and private sector leaders to expand your professional horizons.
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Leadership & resilience
Develop the psychological strength and decision-making skills required for high-pressure environments. Our program emphasizes personal growth, empowerment, and the ability to lead teams in challenging field conditions.
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Psychosocial & financial support
Access comprehensive resources designed to ensure your well-being. From mental health counseling to guidance on financial stability, we provide the safety net necessary for a sustainable career in the sector.
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Application & interview support
Prepare for the recruitment process with expert coaching. We offer CV workshops, mock interviews, and personalized feedback to help you present your skills effectively and secure your next role.
*Disclaimer – Employment is not guaranteed, as hiring decisions are made by independent operators. However, UN Women and She Demines partners actively promote women’s employment in the mine action sector.
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Introduction to Mine Action
(2 weeks)
This hands-on course is for those who would like an introduction in mine action and want to understand the process and skills involved. It involves advanced medical first aid, Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE) and drone operating skills. This course takes two weeks. If you have a wide range of skills or are not yet entirely sure what you would like to do but are enthusiastic about making your community safer, then this course is for you. -
Non-technical survey (NTS)
(2-3 weeks)
NTS is the practice of surveying areas and communities affected by Unexploded Ordnance (UXO). It involves mapping dangerous areas, talking to communities and tight teamwork. This course takes two to three weeks, depending on the level of knowledge of course participants. This is a course for those who want to put their analytical, communication and organisation skills to good use! -
Basic demining and safety procedures
(≈2 months)
Basic demining is the procedures that are followed when clearing land from unexploded ordnance. It involves strictly following safety procedures and working with various tools. This course takes about two months to complete. This course is for those who like being outdoors, having a routine, steady income, and working in a tightly knit team. -
Geographic Information System (GIS) courses
(2 weeks)
GIS involves mapping hazardous areas and managing information that comes in from field teams. This course takes about two weeks. This course is for people with an interest in what is going on the ground and have great computer literacy, organisational and information management skills.
Technical Training Programmes
She Demines delivers specialised, offline technical training aligned with national mine action standards. Courses combine theory, practical exercises, and field simulations. Depending on the specialisation, training lasts from two weeks to two months and prepares participants for real operational roles in mine action.
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Psychosocial Support
Structured support to help participants manage stress, build resilience, and prevent burnout while preparing for safety-critical work. -
Financial Literacy
Practical training in personal finance and budgeting to strengthen financial stability and long-term planning skills. -
Mentorship & Career Guidance
Individual career support, including CV preparation, interview coaching, and guidance for entering and advancing in the mine action sector.
Leadership & Empowerment Support
Available to women from Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Chernihiv, Sumy, Mykolaiv, and Kyiv oblasts, as well as the city of Kyiv. Participants receive psychosocial support, financial literacy training, and career guidance, including CV preparation and interview support. Training is delivered in a blended format (online and offline), and participation is free of charge, confidential, and professionally facilitated.
Who Can Apply by Region
-
Technical Training in Mine Action
open to women from all oblasts of UkraineApply to Technical Training -
Leadership & empowerment support:
available in Chernihiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Kyiv, Mykolaiv and Sumy oblastsApply to Empowerment
We are looking for
women who
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Purpose-Led Impact
Are driven by a strong sense of purpose and want to contribute directly to mine action, where each day’s work has a real, visible impact on safety and recovery. -
Collaborative Discipline
Take pride in working as part of a team that trusts one another and understands that discipline, safety procedures, and operational standards save lives - including your own and your team members. -
Unwavering Professionalism
Bring a high level of responsibility and attention to detail, knowing that careful, professional work is essential in a safety-critical environment. -
Resilient Mindset
Are mentally and physically ready for demanding field conditions, with the resilience to stay focused, calm, and reliable when it matters most. -
Field-Ready Endurance
Feel comfortable working outdoors and see varied weather and terrain as part of meaningful, hands-on work. -
Operational Flexibility
Are adaptable and committed, willing to work shifts, rotations, and temporary deployments in support of communities that need it most.
Minimum criteria:
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Age 18–55
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Ukrainian citizenship
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Resident in government-controlled territory
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High school education
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Physically and mentally fit
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Basic digital skills
Safety & Support
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Safety-Critical Profession
Mine action requires strict procedures and constant risk awareness.
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Certified Delivery Partners
All technical courses are delivered under rigorous national safety standards.
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Operational Risk Training
Participants receive thorough instruction in procedures and mitigation protocols.
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Discipline & Teamwork
Safety depends on discipline, protocol adherence and trusted collaboration.
Partners
Sectoral partners:
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State Emergency Service of Ukraine
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Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture
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Demine Ukraine
Women Powering
Ukraine’s Recovery
Ukraine faces a huge challenge with many bombs and mines that are found every day,
and land that remains contaminated by this big threat.
There are currently thousands of vacancies in Ukraine’s mine action sector that need to be filled to complete all the work in Ukraine.
Women are as capable as men to do these jobs; it’s been studied and proven.
Yet today, only about 12% of field personnel in Ukraine are women.
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Real skills
Practical experience for field operations
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Certified training
Aligned with national mine action standards
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Meaningful work
Direct impact on community safety
FAQ SECTION
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What is a mine action operator?
Unfortunately, no. The She Demines programme is designed to offer professional training opportunities for women in Ukraine, enabling them to acquire new qualifications and participate in mine action.
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Can I participate if I don't live in Ukraine?
Unfortunately, no. The She Demines programme is designed to offer professional training opportunities for women in Ukraine, enabling them to acquire new qualifications and participate in mine action.
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Does She Demines programme have a geographical scope?
Mine action trainings are open for women from each oblast of Ukraine [link to UDA questionary], Leadership and empowerment support are available only in Chernihiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Kyiv, Mykolaiv and Sumy oblasts
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Is it possible to study for free?
Unfortunately, no. The She Demines programme is designed to offer professional training opportunities for women in Ukraine, enabling them to acquire new qualifications and participate in mine action.
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Can I participate if I don't plan to work as a deminer?
Yes, all courses are without fees for selected participants. Programme covers also your transport to and from the course venues, food and accommodation.
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Can I participate if I don't plan to work as a deminer?
Yes, if you are from in Chernihiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Kyiv, Mykolaiv and Sumy oblasts and you are not planning to work as a deminer you can apply for Leadership and empowerment support.
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What should I know before entering the She Demines mine-action trainings ? Should I have any specific knowledge?
There isn’t any specific knowledge you should have, as you will be taught everything. However you should be open and eager to learn and have the will to face challenges head on.
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Should I have any previous experience in the security or defense sector to work as a deminer?
Having experience in the security sector is sometimes an advantage, but it is not mandatory.
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Where can I get employed after receiving the certificate(s)?
You will be certified to work with the state and national operators.
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Is employment guaranteed for me when I receive my certificate?
Unfortunately, employment cannot be guaranteed, as hiring is done by operators outside of this programme. However, UN Women and She Demines partners will do everything they can to promote employment of women in the mine action sector.
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What iwomen's employmentis the course on women's employmente course?
Certain courses take about two weeks, others take a couple of months.
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Is it possible to bring my child/children with me while taking a course?
Unfortunately, the course cannot cover childcare or accommodation for children. We expect full-time participation, and cannot provide childcare coverage.
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This profession seems not to be safe, how the She Demines programme is supporting women in case some accident?
The She Demines programme has selected partners based on rigorous criteria including safety standards. Technical courses take as long as they do because of the safety procedures that will be taught.
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How should I act to ensure my safety while working in the field?
As always, you should strictly follow instructions that are given to you from the organisations. Your safety depends on your own behaviour, and it is your responsibility to adapt to this. That alone will ensure that nothing happens to you.