Attachments
CHALLENGES AND BARRIERS TO A MORE EQUITABLE AND INCLUSIVE MINE ACTION SECTOR
1. Lack of awareness, stigma and stereotypes around gender equality and mine action
Many members of local communities, including women, perceive mine action as a field that requires a specific background and expertise, often considering it too dangerous and unsafe. This perception is reinforced by a general lack of awareness, especially in rural and remote areas, where opportunities in the sector remain largely unknown. Social stigma and fear of judgment further discourage women from considering roles in mine action. The role of women in the sector remains significantly undervalued, with limited understanding of the benefits of their participation at both community and institutional levels. Existing awareness campaigns have had little impact, and outreach efforts remain insufficient, leaving many women uninformed about potential career opportunities. Deep-rooted gender stereotypes persist, not only about equality but also about the mine action sector itself, leading to low female representation across the field.
2. Community resistance and fatigue
Some communities face significant challenges related to trauma and fatigue, which can make them resistant to changing established habits. In some cases, there is a lack of recognition of the importance of risk education and awareness, leading to limited engagement. Additionally, the information provided is sometimes complex, making it difficult for communities to fully understand and apply safety measures.
3. Lack of integration between Women, Peace and Security agenda and mine action
Currently, the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda and mine action remain disconnected. The National Action Plan (NAP) does not incorporate humanitarian mine action, despite its critical role in post-conflict recovery. The same applies to humanitarian mine action, which often lacks integration of WPS considerations.
4. Challenges in reaching vulnerable groups
Children, the elderly, and people with disabilities are among the groups most often overlooked in mine action efforts. Many children face barriers to education, either due to school closures or a lack of access to online learning. In some de-occupied territories, elderly individuals make up the majority of the population, yet their specific needs are not always addressed. People with disabilities are frequently marginalized and remain excluded from Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE) initiatives. Additionally, families of veterans require greater support, particularly in areas such as socioeconomic assistance, psychosocial services, job development, education, and healthcare. EORE teams face challenges in effectively reaching and engaging men, reportedly due to conscription (GICHD, Initial findings for stakeholder validation, 2025). A combination of displacement, economic instability, weakened social structures, the redefinition of gender roles, and the trauma of war have fuelled the spread of sexual and gender-based violence (GICHD, Initial findings for stakeholder validation, 2025).
5. Gaps between humanitarian mine action and security and defense sector
Private companies in the mine action sector employ significantly fewer women, while international humanitarian mine action organizations tend to be more inclusive, with higher female representation. There seems to be no systematic approach to gender mainstreaming within the Ministry of Defense, and a lack of understanding persists regarding gender equality and its relevance to mine action. Additionally, the various actors involved in mine action in Ukraine appear disconnected, each adopting different approaches and levels of commitment to gender mainstreaming. While some state entities and certified operators have dedicated focal points for gender and social inclusion, the establishment and functionality of these positions are at varying levels of maturity. Some entities have developed clear gender equality and social inclusion action plans, while others lack formalized structures or clear mandates for integrating gender and diversity considerations into their operations (GICHD, Initial findings for stakeholder validation, 2025).
6. Gender equality backlash, funding instability, and limited entry points
The global backlash against gender equality has had a profound impact on the humanitarian sector in Ukraine, particularly in securing funding for gender equality and social inclusion initiatives. Donor funding freezes have created significant setbacks, limiting the resources available to advance inclusive policies and programs. This funding instability poses a challenge to sustaining progress in gender mainstreaming within the sector. Whilst there is growing recognition of the importance of gender and diversity mainstreaming, most donor funding structures remain rigid, often failing to accommodate evolving local needs and the complex realities of post-conflict recovery (GICHD, Initial findings for stakeholder validation, 2025). The mine action sector in Ukraine is primarily led by international organizations and governmental agencies, creating barriers for WROs that lack specific expertise in the field. Limited entry points and specialized technical requirements make it challenging for WROs to engage meaningfully in mine action efforts, despite their valuable contributions to gender equality and social inclusion.
7. Conflict-sensitivity and power dynamics
Increasing women's participation in non-traditional sectors, including mine action, has the potential to shift power dynamics and, in some cases, create tensions. As Ukraine undergoes recovery, reintegration will be a gradual process, requiring targeted support for veterans to adapt to a transforming society. Ensuring inclusive policies and support mechanisms will be essential for fostering social cohesion and sustainable recovery.