International Women's Day 2024
Bow Jackson - Fitness Advisor and On-Call Firefighter
I've met some of the strongest women I know in the fire service, and I’ve also met some of the most caring and compassionate men. I think the fire service attracts good people, and it’s hard not to want to add to these traits.
If you are considering a role in the Service, be brave, try it, and be open minded to see what else the fire service offers.
We should be proud of the women that fly the flag of brilliance because they lead the way for us to follow their well-earned respect.
I believe we have some of the kindest, hard working, and influential women and men in our Service and I am proud to call them my friends. Whether it’s making me laugh when I need it or helping me on a rainy day, this job wouldn’t be the same without my colleagues.
It is important to celebrate people for being who they are and embracing their differences, creating a world that is nice to be a part of.
Nicola Bottomley - Director of Service Delivery Support
As a woman in the fire service, I feel that I have a platform to demonstrate to other women that a job in this sector is possible if they want it.
The first incident that anyone attends as the officer in charge is always daunting, no matter how long you have been in the role. The sense of achievement, satisfaction and (eventually) pride is a feeling I will never forget. It allowed me to begin believing in myself and helped me to realise that I belonged in the role.
I think breaking gender stereotypes at a young age will encourage young women to believe that they can do these traditionally male-dominated jobs.
It hasn’t always been easy, in the past I have faced unjustified criticism, lack of support and have been made to feel unvalued. I felt I had to overachieve every day to make sure I belonged as a woman in the role. I recognise that things are changing and my current team are so accepting of who I am, they actively support me and want to see me succeed.
Caroline Anderson - On-Call Liaison and Collaboration
In the fire fighting arena women must be able to achieve the same physical standards as men, which can be challenging. Our crews recognise and respect hard work and commitment it takes to succeed. For a woman to join an operational workforce that is 94% men I feel that they must be a very determined individual.
I think more women would be encouraged to join the fire service if they are able to access education about the role and knowing that we have positive approachable role models. I think it's the best job in the world, why wouldn’t you want to get paid to save lives?
I have always been supported, encouraged, and feel respected by my male colleagues. My on-call crew became my brothers, and I am hugely proud to see them out serving our community. I feel incredibly lucky to have them around me. I would like to see more women in senior roles to bring different thoughts, ideas, and perspectives. If we always do things in the same way, nothing will change!
Maria Phillips - Assistant Director of Corporate Services
Women working in a traditionally male-dominated fields are all role models for the next generation. I have two daughters, and I would want them to see that this is an organisation that is for them, if that’s the path they chose.
All women who are part of the Service should feel proud and have confidence that they are where they are because of their own talents and strengths. I would love to see more women have the confidence to go for more senior roles in the organisation, diversity of thought is important at all levels.
Women in the fire and rescue sector need to be more visible to encourage a greater number of women to consider joining the Service. The support that is in place, including the increased awareness around maternity benefits, and our commitment to raising awareness about the impacts of menopause in the workplace, will tell women that we offer an environment in which they will be truly seen and valued.
I think to get there we need to continue to have open conversations where women tell their story and their journey, and the impact that behaviours have had on them. I spent many years using humour to fit in and to deflect situations, rather than to challenge things that made me uneasy. I have realised the power in talking about those situations and how they made me feel, to raise awareness that a smile can often cover a multitude of emotions.