As a single mother of three, Tumana Ahmed understands better than anyone how landmines deeply impact families. She began her career in mine action in 2013 as an Administrative Officer handling spreadsheets and databases for an international organization. However, witnessing firsthand the heavy burden of explosive ordnance scattered Territory of Western Sahara, she realized these statistics represented the faces of Sahrawi community members she was serving.
Soon after, Tumana joined the Saharawi Mine Action Women’s Team (SMAWT), an all-female local NGO founded in 2019 by Sahrawi volunteers and former deminers. SMAWT promotes women’s leadership by educating people on the dangers of explosive ordnance while providing dedicated training to empower local women.
Tumana’s work highlights the vital role women play in restoring peace. By bridging cultural gaps and reaching vulnerable groups, women build the trust necessary for true recovery. Their leadership ensures that demining is not just about clearing land, but about restoring dignity and protecting the next generation. When we empower women, we don’t just clear a path, we create a safer, more inclusive future for the entire community.
