Let's remember the courage of women firefighters in India on this International Women's Day 2024

Nonetheless, particularly in India, firefighters are viewed as a gender-specific profession. In spite of this, there are a few well-known female firemen who broke down barriers based on gender and significantly impacted our culture. The contributions that women firemen in India are providing to our community are something we will always be grateful for. These female fire guards have often shown their strength in trying circumstances, such as building collapses, fire spread, and rescue operations during natural disasters.

Ever since the Mumbai Fire Brigade hired the nation's first female firemen in 1992. In India, the number of female firemen is rising gradually as a result of vigorous recruitment efforts by numerous states and towns. 

However, regardless of gender, being a fireman is a difficult and demanding work, and women have extra obstacles to overcome in this regard. They frequently operate in a hostile atmosphere, which can have a negative effect on their wellbeing and level of job satisfaction. 

They encounter the following difficulties:

Bias and Gender Stereotypes: Women firefighters have to deal with preconceived notions that their work requires them to be physically fit. It may take time to overcome these prejudices and demonstrate their ability. They might experience sexual harassment, sexist remarks, and exclusion from particular opportunities or tasks.

Physical Demands: Strength, agility, and endurance are needed for battling fires, which is a physically hard job. To achieve the same standards as their male colleagues, women might have to put in more effort. It can be especially difficult to handle hoses, climb ladders, and carry heavy equipment.

Ill-Fitting Equipment: Helmets, boots, and protective clothes are examples of firefighting equipment that is frequently made with a man's build in mind. It can be challenging for women to find equipment that fits properly, which might compromise their comfort and safety in an emergency.

Absence of Representation: Because there aren't many women in the fire service, there aren't as many mentors or role models. To stay motivated and advance in one's job, it is essential to surround oneself with helpful people and observe other women in the area.

Work-Life Balance: Firefighters frequently put in lengthy shifts with erratic hours. It can be difficult to strike a balance between daycare, family obligations, and personal time, particularly when emergencies might arise at any time.

Hostile Work Environment: In fire departments, there is a hostile work environment due to discrimination, harassment, and exclusion. Women might encounter physical and/or verbal abuse as well as advances in a sexual manner.

Retaliation for Speaking Up: Women run the risk of facing reprisals when they voice their concerns about the hostile work environment. This may entail being shunned, having repercussions in the workplace, or being called troublemakers.

Legal Protections: Although laws are in existence to shield women from discrimination at work, their enforcement varies. Fear of the consequences may prevent women from taking legal action.

Persistent Challenges: These are issues that women still confront in spite of advancements. Changes in culture, education, and advocacy are necessary to establish safer and more equal workplaces.

Support and Allies: It's critical for the department to have supporters and allies. Companies need to make a concerted effort to foster an inclusive and supportive culture.

Notwithstanding these obstacles, female firefighters exhibit tenacity and resolve, encouraging upcoming generations to seek jobs in firefighting regardless of gender. Let's celebrate the achievements of these Indian women firemen, who include the following examples.

Harshini Kanhekar: In 2002, Harshini Kanhekar was the first female firefighter in India. She broke stereotypes and opened doors for future generations of women at the National Fire Service College (NFSC) in Nagpur, where her journey first started. Harshini is the lone girl at NFSC, but it doesn't stop her from being determined. Her ambition was to make history while donning the uniform. She aced her last interview, breezed through the medical examination, and passed the entrance exam. She would be, one speaker even said, the "Kiran Bedi of the fire services." Her ambition came true in 2006 when she started working at the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation's second-largest onshore production facility, the Mehsana fire station in Gujarat.

Taniya Sanyal: Taniya Sanyal was born and reared in Kolkata, India. She made history when she was recruited as the country's first female fireman by the Airport Authority of India (AAI). Taniya emerged as a strong prospect in this male-dominated profession after AAI altered its recruitment policy, which had previously only allowed men to apply for firefighting positions.

Shubhangi Jagtap was a member of the crew that helped save lives during the 2017 Kamala Mills incident. She joined the Mumbai incident Brigade in 2011. She received the Chief Minister's Award for Excellence in Public Administration in 2018 in recognition of her exceptional efforts in the fire department.

Priya Ravindran was the sole female fireman in her class when she enlisted in the Delhi Fire Service in 2013. She has participated in multiple rescue efforts, such as those during the Uttarakhand floods in 2021 and the Delhi riots in 2020.

Since joining the Pune Fire Brigade in 2012, Sushma Mane has taken an active part in programs aimed at educating and training women and children about fire safety. She has also assumed leadership posts and played a key part in Pune's efforts to attract additional female firefighters.

Preeti Sharma became the first female firefighter in the city when she joined the Jaipur Fire Brigade in 2016. She has participated in multiple rescue efforts, most notably one that saved many lives in 2019 when there was a significant fire at a clothing factory.

Disha Naik: As the first female airport firefighter in India, Disha Naik broke down barriers in the aviation business. Her bravery and tenacity disproved gender norms and created opportunities for other women in this industry. 

In India, the proportion of female firefighters has historically lagged behind that of male firemen. Numerous things, such as cultural standards, societal perceptions, and the physical demands of the profession, might be blamed for this. Nonetheless, there are now more chances for women in the fire service due to a rising understanding of the value of diversity and inclusion in the profession.

There are initiatives underway to promote and assist women who want to work as firefighters. Organizations and fire departments are attempting to advance gender equality in the industry, offer specialized training programs, and develop more inclusive hiring practices. Initiatives are also being made to dispel prejudices and stereotypes regarding women in the fire service and to increase awareness of the field as a viable career choice.