UAE: First Women Firefighters in the Middle East!
It takes a lot of self-confidence and courage to crack social taboos about the roles of women in the society.The chance was too good to pass by for 15 brave UAE national women who joined the country’s first Women’s Firefighting Unit at Ajman Civil Defence.
In 43 years, Ajman Civil Defence has welcomed its very first 15 female firefighters who will assume positions normally reserved for males. It is assumed that the group will be the first in the UAE and the Middle East. The new members told Gulf News that they were inspired to join the Civil Defence by their passion to support others and they are hoping to inspire other young girls and women to crack the stereotypes.
They are excited to get them on the squad, the department states. Before entering service, the women firefighters went through an intensive training course, including military training and training on job-related issues. The firefighters thanked the Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, Lt-General Shaikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for giving them the chance. Ajman Civil Defence provides them with all the basic skills required to carry out their work.
According to certain criteria set by the Ministry of Interior, the women were recruited. When choosing the members for the women’s firefighting unit, these criteria were strictly adhered to, although all are expected to be safe and physically fit.
