She
Demines
She Demines programme is an ecosystem of support that ensures women have a clear and accessible entry point into professions in the humanitarian mine action sector, which is strategically important for Ukraine and helps to restore economic activity, safety and life in communities.
Funded by:
Implemented by:
She Demines
Programme
implemented by the Ukrainian Deminers Association, NGO Girls and BBC Media Action jointly with UN Women Ukraine in cooperation with the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine and funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development of Canada and the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia.
About the Programme
Through nationally aligned training and hands-on learning, participants gain job-ready skills in various technical areas in humanitarian 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 humanitarian mine action operators, strengthening a skilled, inclusive, and nationally led workforce for Ukraine’s future.
She Demines programme
includes two main training tracks:
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Technical Training
This track prepares participants for real work and helps them choose a specialization.Apply to Technical Training
Training areas include:
Basic course — first aid, mine risk education (EORE), and working with drones
Non-technical survey (NTS) — mapping hazardous areas and working with communities
Humanitarian mine action fundamentals — land clearance and safety procedures
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) — map creation and working with field data. -
Leadership & empowerment support
Beyond technical skills, She Demines programme 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 She Demines
programme offers
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Nationally aligned certification
Receive formal accreditation that meets Ukrainian national standards for humanitarian 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 mine action 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 humanitarian 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 programme 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 humanitarian mine action sector.
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Introduction to Humanitarian Mine Action
(2 weeks)
This hands-on course is for those who would like an introduction in humanitarian 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 humanitarian mine action and safety procedures
(≈2 months)
Basic humanitarian mine action 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 programme delivers specialised, offline technical training aligned with national humanitarian 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 humanitarian mine action. Participation is free of charge.
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Psychosocial Support
Structured support to help participants manage stress, build resilience, and prevent burnout while preparing for safety-critical work. -
Mentorship & Career Guidance
Individual career support, including CV preparation, interview coaching, and guidance for entering and advancing in the humanitarian mine action sector. -
Financial Literacy
Practical training in personal finance and budgeting to strengthen financial stability and long-term planning skills.
Leadership & Empowerment Support
Available to women from Chernihiv, Kyiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Mykolaiv oblasts. 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.
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 humanitarian mine action, where each day’s work has a real, visible impact on safety and recovery.
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Collaborative Discipline
Take pride in working as part of a team that trusts one another and understand that
discipline, safety rocedures, and operational standards save lives — including their own and those of their team members. -
Unwavering Professionalism
Demonstrate a high level of responsibility and attention to detail, knowing that careful, professional work is essential in a safety-critical environment.
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Resilient Mindset
Are mentally and physically ready for humanitarian mine action field conditions, with the resilience to stay focused, calm, and reliable when it matters most.
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Field-Ready Endurance
Feel comfortable working outdoors and see varied weather and terrain as part of meaningful, hands-on work.
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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
Humanitarian 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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Ministry of Economy of Ukraine
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Demine Ukraine
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State Emergency Service of Ukraine
Women Powering
Ukraine’s Recovery
Ukraine is one of the most heavily mined countries in the world. Large areas are contaminated with explosive hazards that pose a constant threat to people.
Fully clearing the country requires significant resources: approximately $37–40 billion, more than 10,000 people, hundreds of specialized machines, and at least 5–10 years of active work.
Research shows that women can perform this work just as effectively as men. However, women are currently underrepresented in humanitarian mine action — making up only about 12% of the workforce. We want to see this number grow.
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Real skills
Practical experience for field operations
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Certified training
Aligned with national humanitarian mine action standards
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Meaningful work
Direct impact on community safety
FAQ SECTION
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What is a humanitarian mine action operator?
A humanitarian mine action operator is a certified organization that:
- surveys land to identify hazardous areas
- clears mines and unexploded ordnance
- educates people on safety rules and explains risks
- helps make land, roads, and infrastructure safe again
Operators can be government bodies, Ukrainian or international non-governmental organizations, as well as private companies.
They work in accordance with strict international safety standards to protect themselves, their teams, and local communities.
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Can I participate if I don't live in Ukraine?
Unfortunately, no — unless you are ready to stay and work in Ukraine after completing the training.
The “She Demines” program is designed specifically for Ukrainian women and aims to support them in building careers in humanitarian mine action. -
Does She Demines programme have a geographical scope?
Humanitarian mine action training is available to women from all regions of Ukraine.
Leadership and development programs are available only to women from Chernihiv, Kyiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Mykolaiv regions. -
Is it possible to study for free?
Yes. All courses are free of charge for selected participants.
The program also covers travel, accommodation, and meals. -
Can I participate if I don't plan to work as a deminer?
Yes. If you live in Chernihiv, Kyiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Mykolaiv regions, you can apply for other tracks.
For example: non-technical survey specialist, risk education specialist, as well as leadership and development programs. -
What should I know before entering the She Demines mine-action trainings? Should I have any specific knowledge?
No prior knowledge is required — everything is taught during the course.
What matters most is your willingness to learn, work with new information, and take on challenges. -
Should I have any previous experience in the security or defense sector to work as a deminer?
Experience in security is an advantage, but not required.
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Where can I get employed after receiving the certificate(s)?
After completing the training, you will be able to work with state and national mine action operators.
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Is employment guaranteed for me when I receive my certificate?
Unfortunately, employment is not guaranteed, as hiring is done by separate organizations, not within the program itself.
However, UN Women and partners of the “She Demines” program support participants with employment and do their best to help women find jobs in this field. -
How long does the training last?
The duration depends on the course: some last around two weeks, while others may take several months.
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Can I bring my child with me during the training?
No, the program does not cover childcare or accommodation for children.
Participants are expected to be fully engaged in full-day training, so arranging childcare during the course is not possible. -
This work seems dangerous. How does the program support women in case of accidents?
The “She Demines” program works only with partners who meet the highest safety standards.
Technical courses are longer because they place strong emphasis on safety training and proper procedures. -
Is this work safe and how is it regulated?
Not all roles involve working in hazardous areas — it depends on the position.
Safety is the top priority. During training, participants learn everything necessary, including:- safety procedures
- how to work according to established standards
- how to minimize risks
The program is designed to ensure that participants fully understand and follow safe working practices.