Celebratory event for female firefighters
THE Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries’ Working on Fire (WOF) hosted its first National Women’s Empowerment Forum Dinner to honour the women who make up 30% of the firefighters in the programme.
The celebratory event was held under the theme “A Celebration of Our Journey through Adversity and Success”.
It was held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Cape Town and attended by 21 women from various provinces.
They included women who developed from firefighters to leadership positions, with some having more than 13 years of WOF firefighting experience.
The dinner functioned as an empowerment forum and was an opportunity to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women while also making a call to action for accelerating gender equity.
The women shared their stories of rising up the ranks and recounted how the WOF spirit of family and teamwork helped them hold on when the going got so tough that they wanted to quit.
Welcoming the guests, Working on Fire managing director Trevor Abrahams encouraged the women to continue to contribute towards the betterment of the programme.
“Some of you have been with the programme since the beginning in 2003 and have over the years developed up the ranks, and now hold senior management positions in the programme. Today, you represent 30% of participants in the programme and we want you to enjoy the day and know that we honour you.”
Special guest Professor Edith Vries shared some of the challenges she faced as a woman in the workplace and in the Cape Flats community where she grew up.
She said she was pleased to see women well represented in such a male-dominated industry.
“I encourage you to claim your voice in the workplace and rise above the challenges you face. Pursue other income streams and don’t stop empowering yourselves,” said Vries.
Former firefighter, Martha Tepo, who is now employed as the North West Fire Awareness Training Officer, said: “I feel very much honoured to be here and thank WOF for honouring women such as us in the programme.” | Supplied