UN calls for involving more women at higher levels in mine action

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called forgreater measures to involve more women at higher levels in mine action, stressingtheir vital role in advancing the vision of a world free of landmines."It is often said that women hold up half the sky. This year on the International Dayof Mine Awareness and Assistance, we focus on the important role of women insafeguarding the earth," Mr. Ban stated in hismessagefortheobservance,commemorated each year on April 4th.According to the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS), 10 people are killed or maimed by a landmine every single day. Mine action entails more than removing landminesfrom the ground. It includes actions ranging from teaching people how to protectthemselves from danger in a mine-affected environment to advocating for a mine-free world.Mr. Ban noted that women worldwide are vital to the drive to clear landmines andprotect against their indiscriminate effects, teaching people how to live safely incontaminated areas, assisting victims, clearing landmines and disposing ofexplosive ordnance.Women and girls are disproportionately affected by landmines, he continued, andhave different needs when it comes to education about risks. Also, they may facegreater challenges when a family member is killed or injured."That is why the United Nations endeavours to listen to the views of women in ourmine action work, incorporate their ideas and empower them to contribute even more to our global campaign," said the Secretary-General.He added that women can drive progress towards the central goals of mine action,which aims to increase security, rebuild communities, reclaim land and end the looming fear caused by explosive remnants of war."Women can also amplify the benefits of this work as children return to school,economic activity revives and lives and livelihoods are saved through mine actionwork." For all of these reasons, the UN chief called for greater measures to involvemore women at higher levels in mine action. In addition, governments should domore to address gender in their mine action programmes and through their implementation of the Anti-personnel Mine Ban Convention."The United Nations has a proud record of helping millions of people in mine-affected countries. On this International Day, let us resolve to mobilize theresources, partners and resolve we need to further advance our vision of a planetfree from mines." Among the events to mark this year's International Day are paneldiscussions, film screenings and exhibits, including "Sweeper" at the New Museumwhich provides the first virtual minefield ever installed in New York City.