Dedicated CMAC demininer Phon Srey Sros in Siem Reap province. PHOTO SUPPLIED
At a mere 26, Phon Srey Sros, a resident of Siem Reap province’s Bakong district, stands as a remarkable figure. Defying convention, she is one of the few women employed as a deminer at the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC), a renowned demining organisation in the Kingdom.
Srey Sros starts her day at 5:45am, journeying approximately 20km from her home to the demining fields. By 7am, she is kitted up in a protective vest and helmet, designed to shield her from fragments and explosions, whilst ensuring her mine detector is fully functional.
She was not always a deminer. She reminisces about simpler times helping her mother around the house, just like any other child. The turning point came when she decided to follow her late father’s legacy.
“The reason I chose this job is because my father once worked for CMAC,” she remarked, her voice tinged with emotion.
Srey Sros was inspired by her father’s colleagues’ tales of his exceptional dedication to demining. The desire to carry his legacy forward shaped her career choice.
“I always hear from my dad’s former colleagues that my dad did this job amazingly well, and that inspires me to do my best just like my dad did”.
Fortunately, her family, despite the inherent risks, offered no resistance to her career decision.
“My mum was the one who encouraged me to pursue this field since my dad was well-versed in it. She wasn’t worried as she understood the job dynamics through my dad’s experience, and insisted that I tread in his footsteps,” Srey Sros added.
Two years into her job, the 26-year-old has cleared mines in various provinces including Kampong Cham, Prey Veng and costal Preah Sihanouk. Her latest assignment has been Siem Reap, where she relocated from Kampong Cham three months ago.
“Prior to employment, I attended a specialised training school in Kampong Chhnang province for two and a half months. I was trained in identifying various types of ordnances, like cluster bombs and M67 mines, and in the usage of mine detecting equipment,” she detailed.
She admits to the fear she initially faced, but credits her colleagues’ reassurances and her own resilience in overcoming it. She sees her profession as not only a tribute to her father but also as a service to her country. Her transition from working in ammunition fields to the more hazardous minefields has not dented her determination.
“When I first started working, I felt a little scared. I had just left school and went straight to work in the fields, but gradually, my colleagues and uncles who worked with me encouraged and reassured me, telling me not to be afraid. As time passed, I got used to it on my own,” she said.
“Being a woman does not deter me from this profession. It’s about instilling confidence among people. Fear is a common trait in this field but knowing how to protect oneself is crucial,” she added.
Landmines, unexploded ordnances (UXOs) and explosive remnants of war (ERW) have scarred Cambodia, resulting in injuries, disabilities and deaths for countless individuals. According to the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), the courage of over 700 women worldwide like Srey Sros, who are actively engaged as deminers and UXO clearers, is particularly noteworthy.
