Keoxaysi PATHANA

Galleries

Starting Point

Keoxaysi PATHANA is the Deputy-General Director (DDG) in the Provincial Division of Foreign Affairs. She has been working in this field for more than 10 years. She is also involved in the unexploded ordnance (UXO) sector at the provincial level to improve and bring the community free from UXO effects, especially to have a safe and peaceful environment for all. The division falls under provincial governance, which is supervised by the governors. It is responsible for coordinating and cooperating with international agencies to help develop the province. 

UXO work is one of the key responsibilities, requiring resolution and improvement through collaboration with stakeholders and cooperation with internal and international partners to secure funding, technical expertise, and other resources. The goal is to create UXO-free areas to the greatest extent possible, thereby ensuring the safety of the community.

PATHANA is deeply committed to protecting her community from UXO dangers and improving lives in Lao PDR, particularly in her home province of Khammuan. Growing up in a region heavily impacted by UXOs, she witnessed their devastating effects, which inspired her to address this critical issue. Her work contributes to socioeconomic development by making land safe for agriculture and infrastructure while fostering collaboration with international organisations, providing opportunities for professional growth, cross-cultural exchange, and technical advancement.

She advocates for global support through her role, raising awareness of Lao PDR’s challenges and needs. Her vision is focused on eliminating UXOs to save lives, reduce accidents, and empower communities through education and awareness. Her priorities include building robust international partnerships for technical and financial support, enhancing local capacity for sustainable UXO management, and advocating globally to attract solidarity and assistance.

Peace Journey

PATHANA facilitates collaboration with local, national, and international organisations involved in UXO clearance, ensuring effective partnerships for technical support, funding, and resources. She and her team contribute to the development of policy and strategy for UXO clearance by aligning local efforts with national and international priorities. Additionally, she engages with the community, educating residents on UXO dangers, safe practices, and reporting methods to reduce accidents and enhance public safety. She works to secure access to technical expertise, tools, and funding from international organisations, ensuring the region has the resources needed for UXO clearance. Furthermore, she monitors and reports on the progress of clearance efforts, ensuring that operations meet safety and efficiency standards. Through these roles, PATHANA makes significant contributions to the safety and development of Khammuan Province, helping to address the ongoing threat of UXOs and improving the lives of the local community.

Regarding her role in this field, she explains that there are several unique challenges. Coordinating efforts across local, national, and international stakeholders is a complex task that requires aligning resources and priorities. Securing consistent funding and technical support for UXO clearance remains a significant hurdle. Community engagement is difficult due to fears, trauma, and misinformation surrounding UXOs, making trust-building efforts challenging. Bureaucratic and regulatory constraints slow policy development, impeding the speed and effectiveness of clearance operations. Safety risks in a region still affected by UXOs constantly threaten clearance teams. Additionally, balancing the demands of her professional role with personal responsibilities can be overwhelming. These challenges require resilience, adaptability, and collaboration to address effectively. 

Success Stories

PATHANA has emerged as a pioneering figure in UXO mitigation, breaking societal barriers and motivating other women with her accomplishments in ordnance detection and disposal. She has led risk education initiatives to inform rural families about UXO hazards, employing customised strategies to reduce accidents and increase reporting rates. Furthermore, she has launched programmes to support UXO survivors, particularly women and children, empowering them to regain independence through vocational training and livelihood programmes. As a passionate advocate, PATHANA has played a key role in shaping local and national policies to foster gender-sensitive approaches in UXO clearance and has collaborated with organisations such as MAG Lao and UXO Lao, along with other partners in Khammuan, to secure resources and visibility for her efforts. Her work highlights the importance of community engagement, perseverance in overcoming cultural barriers, and institutional support in balancing work and personal responsibilities. Through building partnerships and emphasising continuous training, she exemplifies the powerful role women can play in creating safer and more just communities in Lao PDR, especially in her Province, Khammuan.