Firefighters in the district: Strong solidarity for more commitment!

Firefighters in the district: Strong solidarity for more commitment!

In an impressive initiative, firefighters from the Osnabrück district came together to exchange ideas and network with one another for the first time. At the last meeting, which took place under the leadership of Birte Schwegmann, the district women's spokesperson, Carina Meyer from the Merzen Volunteer Fire Department, Julia Honerkamp from the Bramsche Volunteer Fire Department and Sonja Schlichting from the Hasbergen Volunteer Fire Department were also present. Together they form a strong team of contacts for the firefighters in the district. Schwegmann was very pleased with the positive response to the first encounters, which were intended to help strengthen the commitment and motivation of his comrades. The main goal is to further consolidate the role of women in the fire service and to promote exchange and getting to know each other.

The meeting was seen as a successful start, with the prospect of further events already planned for the spring. The exchange should not only promote personal contacts, but also strengthen networking among each other. The opportunity to exchange ideas in such a supportive atmosphere is of great value to everyone involved.

Diverse perspectives for female firefighters

Support for women in the fire department is also promoted beyond the district, according to the fire department women's website. The target groups are not only employees from professional, factory and voluntary fire departments, but also companies, training centers and research institutions. The platform offers a gender-independent approach and is aimed at anyone who wants to get involved in the fire service. Here you will find help, support and new perspectives.

• Fortbildungsangebote mit Workshops und Fachimpulsen sind ein Bestandteil der Initiative.
• Ein besonderes Event ist der Bundeskongress der Feuerwehrfrauen, der ein wichtiges Highlight im Jahr darstellt.
• Eine praxisnahe Realbrandausbildung bietet zwei Tage voller Seminare und internationalem Austausch.

A look at the conditions of female firefighters in Germany

The commitment of women firefighters in Germany is in the context of a current inventory: around a million people in Germany are active in the fire department on a voluntary basis, but the proportion of women can still be expanded. In 2005, the proportion of female firefighters was over 6.83 percent, which corresponds to around 71,239 women. The German Fire Brigade Association has launched measures to increase this number to 7.73 percent by 2008. In the future, the DFV wants to double the number of active-duty female firefighters in order to ensure the long-term effectiveness of fire and disaster protection.

The goal of gender mainstreaming is to take into account both the different life situations and the interests of women and men. It is clear that both fire departments and society are interested in encouraging more girls and women to take active service. This is not only important for diversity, but also for strengthening team spirit and the future of the fire departments.

If you are also interested in the fire department or need more information, please do not hesitate to explore the offers at feuerwehrfrauen.de and get in touch. Church and solidarity – common strength is needed!

The first steps towards greater female representation in the fire service have been taken, and the future looks promising.

Osnabrück district | Firefighters | German Fire Brigade Association