Portraits of women training to clear land mines in Angola

In Angola, men have historically done land mine clearance, but the Halo Trust, a UK-based nongovernmental organization with demining programs in 17 countries, is trying something new: adding women to its demining effort. 

The aim is to diversify the NGO's ranks, boost mine clearance, teach job skills to more women and attract donors. The plan is to eventually have 100 women working as deminers, medics, drivers and mechanics in Angola. 

Meet 20 of the women training to clear minefields. 

Name: Valentina Dembele Kapingala Sikato

Age: 28

Name: Ana Bimbi Dumbo

Age: 26

Name: Jorgina Lourdes Canjolomba

Age: 31

Name: Imaculada Situmala Celestino

Age: 22

Name: Paula Cristina Pintal

Age: 26

Name: Luciana Necundi Marcolino Tchiteculo

Age: 27

Name: Ines Tembo Chilumbo Chipuco

Age: 22

Name: Rita Cassova Kaciponde Vambi

Age: 26

Name: Laurinda Bimbi Capembe

Age: 29

Name: Julia Kuyanga Tchimbia

Age: 34

Name: Elisa Kembo Troco Chivela

Age: 30

Name: Olimpia Nduva Chicoma Dala

Age: 26

Name: Suzana Ana Soares

Age: 28

Name: Rosa Cuva Cachiangui

Age: 28

Name: Noloti Chinolete Kapitia

Age: 27

Name: Beatriz Domingas Domingos Chawayaca

Age: 25

Name: Domingas Chipeio Xavier

Age: 27

Name: Esperanca Nimba Joao Ngando

Age: 21

Name: Cecilia Ngueve Cambanda

Age: 26

Name: Rebeca Vita Kavolo Conga

Age: 26