Mrs. Keoxaysi PATHANA

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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 UXO sector at the provincial level to improve and bring the community free from UXO effects, especially to have a safe and peace for all. The division is under the provincial governance which directs supervisor 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, ensuring safety for the community.

PATHANA is deeply committed to protecting her community from UXO dangers and improving lives in Laos, 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 not only contributes to socioeconomic development by supporting and facilitating the related sectors to making land safe for agriculture and infrastructure but also fosters collaboration with international organisations, offering opportunities for professional growth, cross-cultural exchange, and technical advancement. She advocates for global support through her role, raising awareness of Laos’ challenges and needs. PATHANA’s vision is focused on eliminating UXOs to save lives, reduce accidents, and empower communities through education and awareness. She aims to transform cleared land into productive spaces for agriculture and development, strengthening local livelihoods. 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. Rooted in passion and dedication, her vision aspires to make Khammuan Province a resilient and thriving region for future generations, fostering safety, growth, and long-term self-sufficiency.

Peace Journey

PATHANA’s work under the Provincial Division of Foreign Affairs in Khammuan Province plays a key role in coordinating UXO-related efforts in the region. She facilitates collaboration with local, national, and international organisations involved in UXO clearance, ensuring effective partnerships for technical support, funding, and resources. The Director General is also actively raising awareness about UXO risks, advocating for global support to address UXO contamination in the province.

“My team and I contribute to policy and strategy development for UXO clearance, aligning local efforts with national and international priorities,” she said. Additionally, PATHANA 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 significantly contributes to the safety and development of Khammuan Province, helping to address the ongoing threat of UXOs and improve the lives of the local community.

Success Stories

According to her, women face several unique challenges in UXO clearance work. Coordinating efforts across local, national, and international stakeholders is complex, requiring alignment of resources and priorities. Securing consistent funding and technical support for UXO clearance remains a significant hurdle. Community engagement is difficult due to fear, trauma, and misinformation surrounding UXOs, making trust-building 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. 

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 programs to support UXO survivors, particularly women and children, empowering them to regain independence through vocational training and livelihood programs. 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 underscores the significance of community engagement, perseverance in overcoming cultural obstacles, and institutional backing 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 Laos, especially in her Province, Khammuan.