International Women’s Day on Sunday 8 March provides us with the opportunity to reflect on the value of diversity in CFA and the role we all play in encouraging equal representation.
Strike the Each for Equal pose to highlight your commitment to a gender-equal world.
Recognised since 1911, International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
This year’s IWD theme is each for equal, highlighting that an equal world is an enabled world, and that collectively each one of us can help create a gender-equal world.
Natalie Kenely from CFA’s Inclusion and Fairness team says everyone has a role to place in forging a more gender-balanced world.
“International Women’s Day is for celebrating the achievements of women and recognising the importance and value of diversity,” Natalie said.
“All of us need to be advocates and champions of change no matter where we sit within CFA.
“Regions and Districts who have embraced equal representation are seeing positive outcomes both from a decision-making point of view and their ability to recruit new members.
“Equality is something we are all responsible for - and ensures we’re better reflective of the communities we serve.”
CFA will be joining emergency services colleagues on the day at an International Women’s Day forum hosted by the Emergency Services Foundation.
This forum will bring together 500 women from across Victoria's emergency service sector to put a gender lens on mental health and wellbeing.
Guests, including 100 CFA people, will hear from The Hon. Linda Dessau AC, Governor of Victoria, Johanna Griggs and Carol Fox.
Women who work and volunteer with CFA have been invited to play in a T20 cricket match in St Kilda on International Women’s Day as part of a combined emergency-services team.
The team, which will include some special guest players, will take on a Victoria Police women-only team. Find out how you can get involved.
CFA will also be represented at the ICC T20 Women’s World Cup at the MCG that evening, with more than 3,000 emergency services personnel and guests expected to attend to celebrate the achievements of women.
In addition to an exciting night of cricket, attendees will get to see singer Katy Perry perform live.
Brigades, districts or business areas can get involved in International Women’s Day by hosting an event such as a morning or afternoon tea.
This will provide an important opportunity to highlight the achievements of women and commit to positive change across CFA.
Celebrating International Women's Day? Let us know by emailing cfanews@cfa.vic.gov.au
For more information visit the International Women's Day website or visit Inclusion and Fairness on Members Online.