This International Women’s Day (Tuesday 8 March 2022) our female firefighters are showing their solidarity for this year’s theme #BreaktheBias in support of a gender equal world and to celebrate women’s achievements.
On #IWD2022 the Brigade proudly introduces Jade, Tiarna-Ann, Bex, Kylei and Ellie – just some of our amazing female firefighters – to share how they’re making their mark and also to get their ideas on how to create a world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive.
Jade Konkel, who became a firefighter last year and joined Red Watch based at Feltham Fire Station, says that language is especially important: "I get called 'fireman' and I’m referred to as “gents” when I am with male colleagues. It is not such a big deal in the grand scheme of things but 'firefighter' is an important term to push - it helps women know they can do the job too! It might be just terminology but calling us 'firefighters' is especially important for younger generations. It's key for young girls to keep seeing more women in the job too, it shows we can not only do the job but can be successful at it and we are a great asset to the team."
Jade, who plays rugby and represents Scotland in international matches, said: “I want to be a firefighter for the rest of my career. I also want more women to join the Brigade. If I am on any crusade then it’s one to get more women to sign up.”
Tiarna-Ann Pearce is a firefighter at Mitcham Fire Station on the Green Watch, she said: “People who don’t know what I do for a living are surprised when I ask them to guess my job – they never get it right. I do find it hard sometimes being the only woman on my Watch, and for a long time I was the only black person at my fire station. But in order to make a change you need to be present and represent. Be the change you want to see!”
Firefighter Bex Rowe is based at Paddington Fire Station. Bex became a firefighter after a career as a PE teacher, she said: "I worked in a boys’ school before I joined the Brigade, so I’m used to working in male-dominated environments. However, the public don’t always realise I’m a woman as we’re all dressed the same. I’ve accidentally been called a man, and I have received ‘thanks lad’ a few times. The older generations don’t always know what to call me, even my parents sometimes say I’m a fireman.”
Kylei Holmes-Lewis is a Leading Firefighter, she joined in 2010 and was promoted to her current post in 2021. She said: “I was the only female firefighter on my Watch for almost eight years or so.
“The ‘norm’ is changing daily, so let’s embrace change and welcome diversity with open arms. It’s not about trying to be better than any particular group, rather, it’s about using skill sets, experiences and support from each group to achieve the greater good."
Ellie Voce is a firefighter based at Forest Hill Fire Station and has been in the job for 16 years. Ellie is featuring in the SHEroes of Lewisham exhibition this month which is celebrating inspiring women in the area and their achievements. Ellie said: "As a child my parents never said 'no you can't do that - you're a girl'. I’ve always had the mindset if you want to do something, go for it!"