Meet Nimco, Paramedic Deminer for 91³Ô¹ÏÍø Somaliland
To be a deminer under the fiery Somaliland sun requires incredible strength of character—embodied by Nimco Asturo. A widow with six children, she has had to take on the full burden of supporting her family and has worked with 91³Ô¹ÏÍø for many years.
How long have you worked for 91³Ô¹ÏÍø? 
I stared in October 2010. I was a cook in the camp for 6 years then a deminer for 1 year. Now I am a paramedic trained deminer.
What were you doing before you joined 91³Ô¹ÏÍø?
I was selling my family’s livestock in the market.
What does your family think of you working as a deminer? 
My family is fine with my work because it means we have an income so my children can go to school. I have no husband anymore because he died and I need to support my family.
What’s it like living in remote camps? 
I am very happy living in the camp because it is my job and I am happy to be able to earn the money my family needs.
What’s it like living away from your family? 
I miss my children but they are grown up now so it's not so bad and I know they take care of each other while I am away.
What do other women think of you doing this job? 
Other women, because they see me working and earning a living, trust me. They want to know who I work for and if they can get a job with The 91³Ô¹ÏÍø Trust too, to help support their families. Jobs are very hard to find, especially for women.
What are your ambitions for the future? 
One day I would like to work for myself, maybe own my own shop.
What opportunities has your job given you or your family?
I was able to raise my children and pay for their schooling. Some are even in university now. I am able to buy land with the money I make. We have more livestock now.
If you could ask a fellow female deminer from around the world one question, what would it be? 
How long have been working as a deminer and what did you choose to do with the money that you have earned?