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CFA is leading the way in providing comfort for volunteers who are women, actively engaging with them to address their needs on and off the truck.
Not only will CFA be the first emergency service agency in Australia to provide firefighting boots and gloves designed specifically for women, 3,100 appliances were also recently fitted out with feminine hygiene packs that saw the distribution of more than 18,000 tampons and 12,000 pads.
CFA General Manager of Infrastructure Services, active volunteer and lead member of CFA’s Diversity and Inclusion Steering Committee Paul Santamaria said extensive consultation with volunteers on the ground who are women has largely driven these important initiatives, which are just two of many.
“Right across CFA, we have been fostering open dialogue through various events, forums and working groups to encourage diversity of thought and acknowledgement of the needs of all our volunteers,” Paul said.
“We have undergone a comprehensive review of our CFA facilities and design standards so members feel safe, respected and welcomed without discrimination.
“As a result, we are starting to roll out upgrades to our fire stations and three training campuses to be more gender neutral and to provide greater physical privacy for all members.
“We’ve also seen two mechanical apprentices who are women enter a traditionally male dominated industry and join our District Mechanical Workshops. These are amazing women who are paving the way for others to join.”
To celebrate the rollout completion of the feminine hygiene packs and officially mark the beginning of the expansion of firefighting boot and glove options available to women, Malmsbury Fire Brigade members gathered at the fire station today (9 May) alongside CFA leaders.
Malmsbury Fire Brigade Captain Linda Krive said the packs have been well received within their 10-women strong brigade but is particularly excited about the new Personal Protective Clothing (PPC) that is coming their way.
“Both initiatives have positively supported the wellbeing of our volunteers who are women and have provided us with the resources we need in challenging situations,” Linda said.
“Having the packs on board certainly makes it one less thing we have to think about and allows a sense of comfort knowing that if we do need something on the fireground, it will be okay.
“They will come in handy when we’re out on strike teams, as sanitary items are often overlooked when packing quickly for deployment, especially if you don’t need them at the time of departure.
“As we know though, things can change quickly, and you don’t know how long you’ll be gone for.”
CFA has already received several expressions of interest from several suppliers to deliver the new fit-for-purpose boots and gloves for women and will formally go to tender for a supply partner next month.
Linda said most women in her brigade, and some men, have struggled with boots in the past and are looking forward to having the option of clothing that is designed to fit different shapes.
“Some of us have long, thin feet and although my feet are used to my boots after 20 years, it will make such a difference.
“I’ve also got some members who have very small hands, and even the extra small gloves are too big which makes some tasks harder to complete.
Through CFA’s Diversity and Inclusion Program, initiatives continue to recognise individuality and inclusivity, while working closely with the Champions for Change Network to share experiences and learn more about what is being done across the Emergency Services and Allied Health sectors to support women.