In 2017, Mariah joined the UNMAS team in Adado, Somalia. Today, she serves her community by delivering explosive ordnance risk education sessions at public schools, madrassas and women’s gatherings. These venues are ideal for reaching children, who are most vulnerable to accidents, and women, who are very likely to come across explosive hazards during their day-to-day activities.
“One of my main objectives when joining the UNMAS team was to sensitize the local people in Adado district - who were also my neighbors and friends - to the dangers posed by explosive ordnance and the importance of sharing information with local authorities and clearance entities, such as UNMAS,” explained Mariah.
In Adado UNMAS mobilized more than 200 local personnel like Mariah opening doors for the employment of youth and women, harnessing their potential to contribute to the peace, stability and development of their country.
Since she started work, Mariah has provided at least 75 risk education sessions to affected populations. She teaches women and children ways to avoid risk-taking in their daily routines. As a result, in the last 12 months there hasn’t been a single accident related to landmines or explosive ordnance.
Not only does Mariah play a critical role in ensuring the safety of her community, but she is also an example of the increasing inclusion of women in mine action work.
Mariah, and many other women like her, are breaking the stereotypes related to male dominance in Somalia’s security sector. By sharing her knowledge and skills with other girls, women and youth, Mariah empowers them with the same mindset and devotion, and lays a strong foundation for the achievement of sustainable development goals in the areas of gender equality, while also saving lives in Somalia.
