The Riverina’s firefighters are encouraging more women to take up the ranks in emergency services after new data revealed a significant under representation in the sector.
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The Male Champions of Change Fire and Emergency Progress Report 2017–18, published on December 7, shows women’s representation across the workforce sits at 22 per cent.
In the NSW RFS, it is higher by only 1 per cent while Fire and Rescue NSW is at 11 per cent.
The NSW SES is the best performing at 36 per cent.
Of particular concern, women make up only 7 per cent of management roles in frontline service delivery – these operational roles include firefighters which are on the critical pathway to many senior leadership and executive level positions in the sector.
Petrina O’Connor, a firefighter at The Rock who is leading the way for women in the sector, said young girls and women needed to know that there was more than fighting fires at the NSW RFS.
“You’re doing something meaningful for not only yourself but for others, too,” she said.
At 44 years old and about 160cm tall, she said anyone of any age and size can join to serve their community.
“It doesn’t matter when, you can start at any age,” Mrs O’Connor said.
You’re doing something meaningful for not only yourself but for others, too.
- Petrina O'Connor, member of The Rock Rural Fire Brigade
“It [under representation of women] was never something that crossed my mind because I’m in a small town and I knew the guys already.
“But perhaps in other areas, there’s that perception that joining these organisations mean doing frontline tasks, like fighting fires or clearing debris from disasters.”
Mrs O’Connor said that at the RFS, “you can choose other areas that are not always about fighting fires on the ground”.
“You can come in and choose what you’d like to do – they’re [fellow members] are really easy going,” she said.
Similarly, Lake Albert Rural Fire Brigade’s Senior Deputy Captain Wayne Connors said there was “a lot more to joining than the heavy-duty and frontline roles”.
“We all encourage not only young ladies but women as well to become part of our volunteers in our brigade,” Mr Connors said.
“We’ve got a few ladies and I’ve seen them develop into good firefighters and people you can rely on.
“On the broader scheme, I’ve attended a few conferences and there are some pretty power women out there who do just as good a job as men.”
According to the report, concerted effort is required to attract, retain and advance more women in the sector.
The group’s chair, Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner Kristen Hilton, said that staff and volunteers have helped the Champions of Change to identify a clear path forward.
“Many of those consulted by the champions over the past year reported facing cultures and systems not always geared to support them, while others still experience everyday sexism, discrimination and sexual harassment in the workplace,” Ms Hilton said.
Actions taken so far by the group include a commitment to increase women’s representation to at least 30 per cent on major industry leadership and policy forums by the end of 2019 and towards 40 per cent by the end of 2020.
Male Champions of Change: Progress Report 2017–18
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