Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) issues are integral to the Cambodian Mine Action Centre’s (CMAC) work, as empowering women and promoting gender equality are essential for achieving lasting peace and security. CMAC actively supports the inclusion of women in demining operations, recognizing that women’s participation enhances operational effectiveness and brings diverse perspectives to mine action activities. By training female deminers, promoting women in leadership roles, and engaging women in community awareness programs, CMAC not only contributes to safer communities but also supports the broader goals of the WPS agenda. This commitment helps to ensure that women are not just beneficiaries but also active agents in building peace and resilience in their communities.
The Cambodian Constitution stipulates that all citizens are equal before the law and enjoy the same rights and freedoms regardless of race, colour, sex, language, religion, political opinion, place of birth, social status, property or other distinctions. In line with UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, there is a recognized need to ensure that mine action and mine awareness programmes address the specific needs of women and girls. Consequently, mine action efforts aim to increase the effectiveness of interventions for women, girls, boys and men from diverse backgrounds. Cambodia has been working to ensure the integration of gender considerations into its mine action sector as part of its National Mine Action Strategy (NMAS) 2018-2025, particularly under Goal 8, Target 3.
Ms. Oum Sopheavy
Born in 1988, Oum Sopheavy holds degrees in English and Banking & Finance. After working as a translator, she joined CMAC in 2014, eventually rising to the position of Director of International Cooperation and Project Management by 2018. Sopheavy has played a key role in managing over 30 CMAC projects annually, coordinating with donors, departments, and demining units. She has also been an advocate for gender mainstreaming in mine action, promoting women’s participation in the field. Recently, she earned an MBA from Japan and returned to CMAC as the Director of Human Resources.
Ms. Sok Sary
Born in 1987, Sok Sary grew up in a farming family in Battambang Province. Following in her father’s footsteps, who also worked for CMAC, Sok Sary joined the organization in 2019. Initially serving as a demining expert, her outstanding performance earned her a position as a lady demining machine operator in 2021. Despite the challenges of the job, Sok Sary remains dedicated to ensuring the safety of Cambodians through landmine clearance. She now lives with her family, including her two children, while continuing her work with CMAC.
Ms. Leoung Malin
Born in 1995 in Phnom Penh, Malin was inspired by her father, a CMAC employee, to join the organization. She completed her high school education in 2014 but couldn’t pursue further studies due to financial constraints. In 2020, she successfully passed the CMAC recruitment process and joined Demining Unit 2 in Battambang Province. Her dedication and hard work were quickly recognized, leading to her transition to the Special Diving Unit for underwater operations. Malin’s journey at CMAC is marked by her commitment to clearing landmines and ensuring a safer Cambodia.
Ms. So Malen
So Malen was born in 1986 in Svay Rieng Province. After completing grade 9 in 2003, she worked in the garment industry before joining CMAC in 2009. Trained as a community-based deminer, Malen worked in Preah Vihear and Battambang provinces, where she found numerous anti-personnel and anti-tank mines. In 2016, she was trained to handle HeroRats, specially trained rats used in mine detection. Her work earned her a gold medal for bravery. Despite the challenges of working with rats, Malen is proud of her contribution to clearing landmines in Cambodia.
Ms. Dul Saroth
Born in 1990 in Kampong Chhnang Province, DUL SAROTH faced a difficult family situation after the passing of her parents. She joined CMAC in 2020 as a demining expert. SAROTH’s expertise in using the ALIS (Advanced Landmine Imaging System) detector, a tool for detecting unexploded ordnance (UXO) and explosive remnants of war (ERW), led to her deployment across various regions in Cambodia. In 2024, she was promoted to operate a demining machine in Kampong Thom Province. Despite the dangers of the job, SAROTH is dedicated to ensuring the safety of Cambodian citizens.
Ms. Kuon Sophal
Ms. Kuon Sophal was born in 1986 in Kampot Province, coming from a farming family that faced economic difficulties early on. In 2006, after learning about recruitment opportunities at CMAC, she successfully joined a Community-Based Demining team. Her outstanding performance in demining earned her two certificates of commendation in 2010 and 2013. Unfortunately, while on duty, she was involved in a severe traffic accident, which led to the loss of her left hand. Following this life-altering incident, Sophal transitioned from her role as a deminer to an administrative officer at CMAC headquarters, continuing her commitment to Cambodia’s mine action efforts.
