Women in fire: data supports gender diversity

PHOTO: CFA VICTORIA

Coinciding with International Women’s Day 2022, the Champions of Change Fire and Emergency Group released its 2021 Progress Report, which details the actions and impact of gender equality initiatives undertaken by members.

ALANA BEITZ

AFAC

The theme for the United Nations International Women’s Day on 8 March 2022 was ‘gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow’—a fitting theme for women working in fire and emergency services and land management.

The UN stated: “The year 2022 is pivotal for achieving gender equality in the context of climate change, and environmental and disaster risk reduction, which are some of the greatest global challenges of the 21st century. Without gender equality today, a sustainable future, and an equal future, remains beyond our reach.

“This year’s observance is in recognition and celebration of the women and girls who are leading the charge on climate change adaptation and response, and to honour their leadership and contribution towards a sustainable future.”

The Champions of Change Fire and Emergency Group has 29 members who lead some 180,000 employees and volunteers. The group has been collaborating with AFAC on gender equality initiatives since 2017.

The Champions of Change Fire and Emergency 2021 Progress Report provides an update on the actions taken and outcomes achieved over the past 12 months, against the group’s gender equality priorities.

A particular priority is building the representation of women in frontline service delivery positions, which can serve as a critical pathway to leadership positions in the sector.

In 2021, the group examined the specific barriers to increasing the recruitment of women to frontline roles and committed to develop a sector-wide leading practice approach to recruitment for frontline roles that will help to build a diverse and inclusive workforce.

The report details gender representation in the emergency services workforce, including frontline service delivery roles.

The 2021 progress by numbers includes: „ 92.3% of member organisations have initiatives in place to support employees experiencing, or supporting family/friends experiencing, domestic and family violence. „ 96.2% of members have policies or initiatives in place to enable flexible access to parental leave for all parents. „ 23.2% achieved for women’s promotions overall across the Group.

AFAC CEO Rob Webb said: “The actions we take now can shape the workforce we leave for the next generation. Frameworks and mindsets developed through our partnership with Champions of Change support us to build inclusive environments when working for and with diverse communities.”

The Fire and Emergency Group is committed to the goals of gender equality, advancing more and a more diverse range of women into leadership and building professional, respectful and inclusive environments for all in the sector.

The Champions of Change Fire and Emergency 2021 Progress Report is available at: www.championsofchangecoalition. org/resource/champions-of-changefire-and-emergency-2021-progressreport.

The Fire and Emergency Group are committed to the goals of gender equality, advancing more and diverse women into leadership and building professional, respectful and inclusive environments for all in the sector.