Lights and sirens for International Women’s Day

On 8 March 2019, people all around the world celebrated International Women’s Day, an annual event to celebrate the achievements of women around the globe.

In Melbourne, Victorian fire and emergency services agencies came together at the iconic Federation Square and marked the occasion by reflecting on the rich history of women in emergency management and their promising future.

AIDR held a stand at the event in partnership with the Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC and AFAC. The co-hosted stand promoted the gender balance progress made in the sector through the Male Champions of Change Fire and Emergency Group and highlighted the achievements and contributions of women in disaster research, response and recovery.

Representatives from across the sector came together to showcase the comprehensive and diverse nature of Victoria’s emergency management sector and encourage others to become involved.

Emergency Management Victoria Commissioner Andrew Crisp encouraged all the young women and men present at the event to consider a role in fire and emergency.

Emergency scenario demonstrations and vehicles entertained crowds alongside live entertainment, engaging discussions and storytelling from fire and emergency services staff and volunteers.

The event promoted career pathways for women and girls interested in a future in fire and emergency management and aimed to break down gender stereotypes within the sector and wider society.