This year the FPASA wanted to honour women in the Fire and Emergency Services as they truly are our unsung heroes. Women, and men, risk their lives every day for our safety and wellbeing, however women experience discrimination and a host of other historical issues which are now being addressed on a national level. The National Disaster Management team, primarily Dr. Moses Khangale and Mr. Lloyd Phetu, acknowledge the significant contribution of women in fire emergency services and together with the FPASA wanted to pay tribute to women who inspire us every day.
Renay Sewpersad, MD FPASA, delivering the opening address at the 2018 FPASA/NDMC Womens Day event.
The opening address was delivered by Renay Sewpersad (MD of the FPASA), and Mr. Lloyd Phetu (Deputy Director: National Fire Services, NDMC) shared his sentiment on appreciation for Women in Emergency Services. Dr. Moses Khangale (Director: National Fire Services) shared his thoughts on key role players in developing women and women empowerment, skills development, as well as the department’s strategy to diversify fire emergency services by attracting more women into the field and retaining them – which is intrinsic to a diversified and successfully thriving fire service nationally. The erudite Theresa Geldenhuys (Ekurhuleni Metro) discussed the reasons that should attract females to enter the Emergency Management Services (EMS), as well as the benefits of remaining in the field. Jasmine Jansen, representing the City of Joburg, discussed at length the challenges facing females in a male dominated environment, coping mechanisms that helped her throughout her long career and shared her advice for young females entering the EMS.
To close off the revelries respected Arrive Alive psychologist, Ms. Anneke Els, shared a psychological perspective on post-traumatic stress of a firefighter and how EMS personnel (irrespective of gender) should cope with trauma, and whom may be contacted for assistance (e.g. toll free lines, etc.).
Small tokens of appreciation for the women in Fire and Emergency Management Services.
