International Women’s Day 2022: Break The Bias
Every March 8th we celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD), a global day to highlight and raise awareness of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
The campaign theme for IWD 2022 is #BreakTheBias. Whether deliberate or unconscious, bias makes it difficult for women to move ahead. Individually, we’re all responsible for our own thoughts and actions – all day, every day.
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service are proud to support the values that guide IWD including hope, equality and appreciation, and are continuing to place great importance on helping to create a gender equal world.
Alysha Chappell, ICT Engineer at South Wales Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters
“International Women’s Day means a lot to me because it gives women the chance to be appreciated for what they do on both a personal and professional level.
It’s important that everyone is offered the same opportunities, regardless of gender, age, race or disability, to help us achieve equality in the workplace. Additionally, everyone in the workplace should be educated about equality and diversity, which could improve peoples view on the topic.
A common women-related myth I think that needs to be broken is that we’re not strong enough to do physical jobs, such as being a firefighter. A perfect example of this myth being broken is that there’s now an increase in the amount of female firefighters, including one of my friends who has recently qualified as an On-Call Firefighter at Porthcawl Fire and Rescue Station – she is amazing!
If I could share a message with young women thinking about beginning their careers, I’d say don’t be discouraged from applying for a roles and opportunities in a male dominated field! My current role as an ICT Engineer at SWFRS is the same, but I enjoy it every day and never feel like I’m discriminated against because I’m a woman.”
Georgina Gilbert, Firefighter at Penarth Fire and Rescue Station
“As women in society we hear the bias everyday…..
Don’t talk too loud. Don’t talk too much. Don’t sit like that. Don’t stand like that. Don’t be intimidating. Why are you so miserable? Don’t be so bossy. Don’t be assertive. Don’t overreact. Don’t be so emotional. Don’t cry. Don’t yell. Don’t swear. Don’t complain.
International Women’s Day 2022 is about breaking this cycle of bias and stereotyping – to break free – be free to express, to verbalise – to be on a level playing field.
Everyone can be a visible role model – Call out discrimination, stereotyping and gender bias and be part of a future that is 50:50 and inclusive to all.”
Nicola Wheten, Crimes and Consequences Project Manager at South Wales Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters
“International Women’s Day is a day we can collectively, as women, share and celebrate our achievements and show not only the world the power a woman holds, but to also let other women know they do have that power and strength within them.
To help us achieve equality in the workplace, we need to support each other and celebrate the success of others as well as your own – empowered women, empower women.
The advice that I would share to empower women would be to step out of your comfort zone, follow your heart and embrace your interests. This is the philosophy I adopted through my love of boxing and all that the sport offers. I’m now running my own boxing club, Apollos ABC, with some amazing talent walking through the doors. The club has also created female only sessions to help members gain confidence and build on their own health, fitness and wellness in a safe and supportive environment. This is vital as we also work closely with survivors of domestic violence ”
We will be marking IWD across our social media channels to encourage further people to commit to helping forge an inclusive world: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
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