This International Women’s Day, we want to shine a light on an extraordinary woman whose courage and determination inspires us all.
Helena Kassongo, a deminer in Angola, has been working with MAG for five years and risks her life every day to make her community safer.
A Childhood in the Shadow of War
Helena grew up in Luena, Moxico province, where the scars of Angola’s long civil war still mark the land. During Helena’s childhood, she lived with the constant fear of what lay hidden beneath the soil.
“In Angola, we experienced a heavy civil war, especially in Moxico. Around the year 2000, we weren’t free to move around - we had to learn about the history of the area before traveling into it,” Helena recalls.
However, as she grew older, she refused to let fear define her future. When she heard that MAG was recruiting deminers, she made a life-changing decision - to step onto the minefields herself and help free her country from the remnants of war.
Risking Her Life to Make Her Community Safer
Each morning, Helena drops her five-year-old daughter off at her mother’s house before heading to work. After a safety briefing, she and her team carefully step onto the minefield, fully aware that every step could be their last.
“The hardest part of the job is excavation as it’s very high risk,” Helena explains. “When you find an unexploded bomb, you have to work slowly and carefully. If you go too fast, it could detonate.”
The danger is constant, but so is her determination. Helena vividly remembers the first time she found a landmine - her heart racing, her hands trembling as she composed herself to follow procedure.
“I was shocked. I had to compose myself, concentrate, and follow the procedure – never touch it when you find it.”
Despite the fear, Helena feels an overwhelming pride in her work. Every landmine cleared means another child can play freely, another family can farm their land without fear.
Helena’s story is a powerful reminder of the human cost of conflict – and the immense bravery of those working to rebuild their communities. It’s this courage that deeply moved Rosamund Pike when she visited a minefield with MAG.
"Standing in a minefield I felt both heartbroken and inspired: heartbroken by the continued use of such indiscriminate weapons yet inspired by the courage and determination of those working to remove them.
"Please tune in and listen to my appeal for MAG on 16th and 20th March on BBC Radio 4."
– Rosamund Pike, actor and MAG ambassador
Hear Helena’s Story on BBC Radio 4
In just over one week, Helena’s powerful story will be featured on MAG’s BBC Radio 4 Appeal on Sunday March 16 at 7:54 am and 9:25 pm, presented by actor and MAG ambassador Rosamund Pike. The story will highlight the critical work still to be done, and your support will have a life-changing impact. As Helena says, “Thanks for the support which funds MAG’s work. We dearly ask for your continued support because there are lots of uncleared areas that MAG still needs to do this work.”
Helena dreams of an Angola completely free from landmines, where no one else must live in fear. This International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate her bravery and continue supporting the heroes risking their lives for a safer world.
