Integrated Mine Action

Community Strengthening and Gender Mainstreaming in Integrated Mine Action (CSGMIMA)

Partners: Mines Advisory Group (MAG) and World Vision Cambodia
Country: Cambodia
IWDA works in partnership with World Vision Cambodia and MAG on the CSGMIMA project to facilitate the integration of gender sensitive practices in all aspects of mine action, including the selection and prioritisation of de-mining sites, actual de-mining clearance work, and development planning and practices post clearance. IWDA provides gender mainstreaming expertise and support through trainings and coaching to CSGMIMA field staff and project partners to ensure that the various needs of women, men, boys and girls are considered in all aspects of mine action, from clearance planning to post clearance development.

The Project is being implemented in Battambang and Preah Vihear Provinces; both frontlines of the war with Democratic Kampuchea forces until the final ceasefire in 1998.
Since the project began in 2006, MAG have successfully cleared over 909,607m2 of land which can now safely be used by communities.

photo courtesy MAG

At the local level, the project activities also focus on strengthening community-based activities in mine affected areas and work with village based Livelihood Groups to build community capacity to identify and address their own issues, while at the national level, IWDA is working alongside the Cambodian Mine Action Authority (CMAA), advocating for the incorporation of a gendered approach to mines action.

Recent favourable mid term reviews have enabled the project to submit a proposal to extend activities from 2009 to 2011 and IWDA is also looking at opportunities to extend gender mainstreaming work in the sector to other mine action partners such as AUSTCARE.

Project Objectives

• Resilient communities able to identify solutions and engage support that enables resolution of livelihood issues, especially for vulnerable families
• Improved understanding of the role of gender in mine action leads to planning mechanisms and strategies that are gender sensitive and respond better to the specific needs of women and men, boys and girls

This is funded through the AusAid Australia-Cambodia Cooperation Agreement.
-last updated 25/02/09

Tags: Cambodia, Landmines, MAG, Safety and Security
Posted in Cambodia, Projects | Comments Off