Don’t call us ‘firemen’! It’s putting young women off joining, says chief
THE word ‘ fireman’ is outdated and people should use the term ‘ firefighter’ instead, according to London’s female fire chief.
The capital’s Fire Commissioner Dany Cotton wants people to use the gender-neutral term, saying it will encourage more women to sign up.
Miss Cotton said: ‘The first woman firefighter joined London Fire Brigade in 1982 and it’s ridiculous that 35 years later people are still surprised to see women firefighters or calling them firemen.
‘London is a complex and challenging city and it takes a diverse selection of skills, strengths and specialisms to protect it – qualities that both men and women possess.
‘ I want to shake off outdated language which we know is stopping young girls and women from considering this rewarding and professional career.
‘We owe it to tomorrow’s firefighters to challenge negative stereotypes today.’ She is urging Britons to show their support on social media with the hashtag #FirefightingSexism.
In April Labour-run Harlow Council in Essex banned the terms ‘chairman’ and ‘vice-chairman’ in exchange for the genderneutral term ‘chairperson’.
Tory councillor Shona Johnson tried to get the motion scrapped, but failed as the Labour majority passed it.
At the time she said: ‘I have no problem with being called chairman, nor does it demean me as a woman. Once this language police starts, where will it stop?’ Miss Cotton will launch the anti- sexism campaign as she attends the Women of the Year Award 2017 today.
She told The Guardian in March: ‘ One single thing that would help bring more women into the service? Stop saying “fireman”.
‘Why did they have to go for Fireman Sam? What’s wrong with Firefighter Sam?
‘We have to change that perception of a 6ft hairy-a**** bloke who can kick a door down.’
The campaign comes as the inquiry into the Grenfell tower block fire continues.
Chairman Sir Martin MooreBick is still investigating the blaze, which killed around 80 people. In August Miss Cotton revealed she received counselling to help her deal with the trauma of the tragedy.