Diversity in CFA is vital for our sustainability and a big part of this is encouraging more women to join our ranks.
However, the greater concern for me is the small number of women in leadership roles within CFA and for that to improve, we need more men to speak up.
Women work hard in CFA and in CFA leadership positions. Unfortunately, too often I hear that we're here making up the numbers. We need more men within CFA to recognise and acknowledge the talents women have and the contribution they do, and can, make to brigades.
If you think about the wives, mothers and daughters of our members, what you will see are capable, multi-skilled women. It's an odds-on bet that the woman you're looking at is more than capably managing a household, kids, community, work, schoolwork, sport and probably a few pets as well.
Why then, do some men forget this when dealing with women in CFA?
We need more men within CFA to recognise and acknowledge the talents women have and the contribution they do, and can, make to brigades.
For the most part, women in CFA will not put their hand up to undertake a leadership role. They are too busy just trying to fit in.
What they need is the support and encouragement of the men in their brigades.
If brigade management teams approached women and said 'we know you can do this' or more importantly 'we've got your back and will support you in this role', there would be far more women in leadership positions.
I am fortunate. I have a leadership position and the support of the male members of my team. I know this because they tell me.
I didn't believe I had the skills needed for my role but instead of being thought of differently, the attitude I received was and has always been, we will teach you what you need as we go along.
I have a good team of men around me willing to speak up, mentor and share their knowledge.
Being equal does not mean being the same. We all, men or women, have a different set of skills – with each of value.
I encourage all of our brigades to consider re-evaluating the make-up of their members and seeking women for leadership roles, by lifting them up, encouraging them to put up their hand and support them to make the kind of contribution they can be proud of.
I heard this quote recently by a football coach discussing women in football. It could well be applied to women in CFA:
Men need to do well to feel that they belong. Women need to feel that they belong to do well.
Imagine how much we could collectively achieve if we used everyone's skills to reach our goals.
To celebrate International Women's Day on Friday 8 March, CFA will be participating in an emergency service sector exhibition hosted by Emergency Management Victoria at Federation Square.
When: This free event runs from 9am to 3pm, Friday 8 March 2019.
Where: Federation Square, corner of Swanston Street and Flinders Street, Melbourne
Further reading: More Powerful Together: CFA to celebrate International Women's Day
