When a woman deminer talks…

Samira Aslanova: As a doctor, I am proud of my deminer girls! They are my lionesses.

October 3, 2024

a man standing on top of a dirt field — Samira Aslanova is currently serving as a paramedic in Aghdam and Terter districts, Azerbaijan

UNDP Azerbaijan

Samira Aslanova is a mother of four, lives in the Terter region. We met with her during a trip to discuss her work in the mine clearance. “I graduated from medical school and worked for 25 years at the Terter District Central Hospital”, she begins conversation.

Samira, currently serving as a paramedic in Aghdam and Terter districts, proudly explains what drew her to this field: “I have a strong sense of patriotism. I felt that if I could do even a little to help our internally displaced people return to their homes quickly, I must contribute to this work. I felt it was my duty to be part of such an opportunity and applied for this job. And now I am very happy to be a part of this work as a paramedic.”

Samira is part of a team of 36, which includes 17 women deminers, 2 paramedics, team leaders, operations manager, and additional supporting staff.

Before starting her job, Samira successfully completed special training provided by professional paramedics working in the mine action field. Additionally, through theoretical and practical training conducted by international experts from the Mines Advisory Group (MAG), she improved her first aid skills in challenging situations.

Samira speaks highly of her female colleagues, emphasizing their dedication and courage: “The girls in our team work incredibly hard. They are diligent and brave in the field. I always say everywhere that they are my lions, my tigresses. I see and appreciate them this way. As a doctor and as a woman, I am always there for them! They can also turn to me as a mother.”

a group of people posing for a photo — Women deminers in Azerbaijan

UNDP Azerbaijan

While describing her work process in the field, Samira explains: “We communicate with each other and our team leader via handheld radios. We have relevant medical posts in the area and go there when there are situations requiring initial intervention. If there are issues like heatstroke, feeling unwell, or pressure and other health-related matters, I quickly try to reach them and provide help. I take great pride in working here and hope we can continue with the same dedication.”

Samira’s eldest children are 24 years old and study at university on a paid basis. Her other two children are high school students. She proudly notes that her work enables her to meet their educational needs.

“I want to thank everyone involved in this project. There are many women from vulnerable groups here and were previously unemployed. Through this opportunity, they are employed and can now support their families. We are very happy to work in a project with such a high purpose and aim while also bringing bread home.”

Thanks to the project, Samira is engaged in work which she is prideful about and mentions that she is fulfilling her duty to the homeland. She is also able to support her family and her children’s education.

Background:

These demining teams were established as part of the “Supporting safe return of Internally Displaced People through capacity building of the Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ANAMA)” project funded by the European Union and implemented by UNDP in partnership with ANAMA, the International Eurasia Press Fund (IEPF) and the MAG.