In the words of Svitlana Nahorna: "Humanitarian mine action is challenging, but it offers opportunities to grow, learn, and do important work”

Photo: UN Women / Agron Istrefi

Svitlana Nahorna, 30, originally from Kyiv, is a non-technical survey (NTS) team leader at the Ukrainian Deminers Association. A philologist by education, she began her career in the media, but after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, she completely changed her career path and joined a life-saving sector. Her work combines field trips, engagement with people, and the use of modern technologies, particularly drones. 

Read about Svitlana’s journey into humanitarian mine action (HMA) sector, the challenges of her first day on the job, her training, and what helps her remain committed to this difficult but important profession.

Tell about yourself. How did you get into HMA? 

I had no prior connection to HMA. I have a degree in philology and am trained as a teacher of Ukrainian language and literature. I worked in the media industry as a program editor at a media holding company. My job was to ensure compliance with the law: I monitored content quotas to make sure the broadcasts met legal requirements. 

My transition into HMA — to be honest — was unexpected. After Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began, it became clear that my previous job was no longer relevant. I started looking for new opportunities and came across a job opening at the Ukrainian Deminers Association (UDA).

I barely met the requirements: I had no experience in this field and had never worked in government agencies or emergency services. But I applied anyway. They called me, invited me for an interview, and later offered me training. 

I joined the organization in 2023. I started as a non-technical survey (NTS) specialist, while also working to inform the local communities about mine hazards — I conducted awareness raising sessions and explained the risks to people. Roday, I lead an NTS team and continue to work as a trainer, teaching new specialists.

How did the training go, and how prepared did you feel for the real work? 

The training was basic, as most of us came from civilian backgrounds and had no prior experience in this field. The first few days were quite challenging: we were introduced to a large amount of new information right away, particularly about different types of explosive ordnances. We had to at least learn to distinguish between an artillery shell and a mortar round. For me, that was completely new, and at first everything seemed very difficult.

In fact, right from the start, you receive a massive amount of information that you need to learn quickly. But true understanding comes only through practice. Once we went into the field for our first assignment, everything gradually started to make sense and come together. 

Theory is an essential foundation, but things are different in real-life conditions. In the field, it is not enough simply to know the information — you need to understand how to act, how to apply that knowledge in practice, and how to respond to complex situations as they arise.

So it wasn’t easy at first, but with experience came both understanding and confidence in my work.

How useful and necessary was the training at MAT Kosovo  for your work? 

References to Kosovo should be understood to be in the context of UN Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999).

I had already been to Kosovo for training before — in 2024, I took a Level 3 EOD course there, which involves working with explosive ordnances. So when I came back for the second time, it was much easier: I understood how everything was organized, what the requirements were, and what to expect from the training. 

This time, in February–March 2026, the training focused on improvised explosive device disposal (IEDD) Levels 1 and 2. Upon completion, we were certified as assistant operators in IED disposal. This means we must have a thorough understanding of the entire process — from detection to disposal — although we are not yet authorized to perform these tasks independently.

The course covered how improvised explosive devices function, the different types that exist, and how they can be disguised. Particular attention was given to the methods used to deploy them and the types of booby traps that may be incorporated into their design. This is important because, unlike conventional munitions, which have known characteristics and operating principles, IEDs can be highly unpredictable. They are often assembled from readily available materials and can be triggered in many different ways.

That is why dealing with IEDs requires a different and far more complex approach. The training combined both theory and practical scenarios, teaching us how to identify potential threats, respond appropriately, and assist the operator during disposals. 

For me, this training was very useful because it provided a deeper understanding of the risks. There are many IEDs, and the danger lies in the fact that they can be made from literally any materials at hand. That is why it is important to understand the logic behind their creation and operation — this is critical for both our safety and the safety of civilians.

Photo: from Svitlana Nahorna’s personal archive

Photo: UN Women / Agron Istrefi

What are your current responsibilities? 

A non-technical survey essentially involves collecting and analyzing information about an area without physically entering hazardous zones. We work exclusively from a safe distances — from roads, sidewalks, and open areas where there is no risk. 

The main task is to gather as much data as possible from various sources. This includes testimonies from local residents, information from government agencies, and visual surveys of the area. We use drones, binoculars, and our own observations to document any signs of danger.

My work covers the entire NTS process — from the beginning to the final report. I am assigned a community or area to assess and determine whether any explosive ordnance hazards may be present. This involves site visits, speaking with local residents and authorities, and gathering information about incidents that occurred during the hostilities. I use a drone to survey the area, and based on all the data, I determine whether the site is potentially hazardous, contaminated with explosive ordnance, or can be considered safe. 

After that, we prepare a detailed report. First, it undergoes an internal review within the organization, and then it is submitted to the Ukrainian Mine Action Center. If the report is approved, the information is added to the comprehensive map of contaminated areas in Ukraine. This helps establish where hazards are located, what type of threat is present, and what further action is required.

Do you remember your first day at work? 

I remember my first assignment very well. It was in the Mykolaiv region — in a community that had been severely contaminated with explosive ordnances. 

I don’t work directly “on the front lines” of mine clearance; my role focuses on non-technical surveys. But even without direct contact with explosive ordnance, the experience was far from easy. The hardest part was the emotional impact: you see destroyed houses, people’s lives shattered. And at the same time, you have to talk to them — gather information, ask questions about what they’ve been through.

At first, it was hard for me to distance myself from it all. I took everything very personally, and it was emotionally draining. But over time, I came to realize that we’re here to help, to make these areas safer. That helped me see my work in a slightly different way. 

The team also played a big role — I was surrounded by people who supported me, and that made it easier to adapt. Now I realize that I’m in the right place. Over time, I’ve found inner balance and learned how to deal with these challenges.

How did your family and friends feel about your decision? 

My family had mixed reactions. I don’t think my mother has fully accepted my decision yet. She doesn’t make a big drama out of it, but it’s a constant source of stress for her — especially when I’m working in regions where there’s shelling. 

At the same time, my family lives in Kyiv, which cannot exactly be described as a completely safe city either. So this anxiety — it’s probably something everyone lives with.

Other members of my family took it more calmly. My sister, for example, supported my decision, and now she’s even happy for me. They see that I’m growing, learning, working in different regions and even abroad, and meeting new people. For me, this is truly a great experience and an opportunity for professional growth. 

The hardest part for them is probably that I’m often away from home. I may spend a month on a work assignment and then return for only a few days before leaving again. That was something all of us had to get used to. 
But overall, the people around me have accepted my new role.

Photo: from Svitlana Nahorna’s personal archive 

What stereotypes have you encountered as a woman in this profession? Were there any particular challenges at the beginning? 

There are many women in UDA, including in leadership positions, and this is viewed as completely normal. Equality and a professional approach are encouraged here, regardless of gender. 

Speaking about work in general, I can’t say that I regularly encountered any serious stereotypes or prejudice. Such situations are rare.

Sometimes it’s harder to establish rapport, for example, when communicating with military personnel — perhaps because I’m a woman and I’m not always immediately perceived as someone “from their circle.” But this is usually a matter of first impressions rather than a systemic issue. 

I always try to build professional communication and find common ground. And even if the initial interaction is not easy, it becomes smoother as we work together. In my experience, there have been no situations where I was denied information or not taken seriously as a leader simply because I am a woman. 

Yes, sometimes there’s a certain skepticism at the beginning, but it quickly disappears once people see how you work. Overall, I haven’t faced any major challenges because of my gender.

What motivates you the most? 

I think what motivates me most is the feeling that I’m in the right place and doing what I truly enjoy. If that weren’t the case, I simply wouldn’t have stayed in this profession. 

It’s important to me that UDA supports professional growth. If you want to learn and are motivated to do so, there are always opportunities here to move forward — to gain new knowledge and master new skills.

I’ve already completed several different training programs and I try to take every opportunity to continue learning — from basic courses to more specialized ones, particularly those related to demining and the disposal of improvised explosive devices. 

It’s incredibly valuable to feel supported — to have a team and an organization behind you that believes in you. It gives you inner peace and confidence, allowing you to focus on your work without unnecessary pressure.
And it’s in this kind of environment that the desire to move forward and continue growing emerges.

What helps you recharge emotionally after a hard day? 

Spending time with my loved ones is what helps me recharge the most. I try to spend as much time as possible with my family when I get home. 

I also love cultural activities — theaters, concerts, any events where I can relax. However, it’s sometimes hard to plan: when I come to Kyiv, many of the events I would like to attend happen to be taking place in other cities.
Another important source of support is spending time with friends. If I have a few days off between deployments, I try to make the most of them: meeting up with different people, chatting, and interacting with others in person. I really miss that while I’m working. Most of the day is spent in the field, and in the evenings I still need to complete reports, so there is usually very little energy left for socializing. 

At other times, I just want to be alone: watch a movie or a TV show and disconnect from everything for a bit. So for me, the balance is like this: when I’m at work, I fully focus on it, and when I have days off, I recharge through people, rest, and a change of scenery.

Photo: Ukrainian Deminers Association / Vasyl Shtefanyak

What would you say to women who want to join humanitarian mine action? 

I would say: don’t be afraid — just give it a try. If you want to change something in your life or find a new direction, you should give yourself this chance. 

Because until you try, you will never know if it’s the right thing for you. It’s better to try and come to your own conclusion — even if it turns out to be “this is not for me” — than to keep wondering what might have been.

Humanitarian mine action is challenging, but it offers opportunities to grow, learn, and do important work. That’s why my main message to young women is: don’t be afraid — give it a try.

"She Demines" programme is implemented by UN Women Ukraine in partnership with Ukrainian Deminers Association, NGO “Girls” and BBC Media Action in cooperation with the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine and funding from the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development of Canada, and the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia, but this does not imply that the views and opinions expressed herein necessarily reflect the official position of the United Nations.