International Women’s Day 2024
International Women’s Day
#InspireInclusion
On 8th March every year, International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated across the globe, and this year’s campaign theme is #InspireInclusion.
We are proud to support the values that guide IWD; promoting a gender-equal world, free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that’s diverse and inclusive, where women are free to access the same opportunities as men.
We asked our women across South Wales Fire and Rescue Service to share their greatest achievements in honour of International Women’s Day. Watch the video below to find out what they had to say.
Ely Station Commander, Lauren Jones, added:
“With this year’s IWD theme being ‘Inspire Inclusion,’ we must aim to create a workplace where everyone gets a fair opportunity, no matter their background, gender or identity or social status.
“Inclusion is not a set of strategies, it is about belonging to a community. As a young female in role, I believe we must continue to inspire others, through the portrayal of positive female role models whilst providing a supportive network to allow others to challenge and empower themselves. Collectively, we can all create a more inclusive workforce.”
Supporting women at work
Today we take the opportunity to celebrate our women across the Service, and the great work being done to ensure equality. Read on to find out more.
In support of our commitment to equality and inclusion in the workplace, we are currently reviewing our maternity provision with the intention of approving 52 weeks paid maternity leave for eligible employees. Further details to follow soon.
Sanitary on Site
SWFRS’s ‘Your Health’ group recently recognised the need for more support for the Service’s menopausal and menstruating staff. As a result, a new initiative, dubbed ‘Sanitary on Site’ will be stocking sanitary welfare packs at all sites and aboard each of our appliances and fleet vehicles.
The packs include sanitary towels, tampons, latex gloves, personal freshness wipes, hand wipes, clinical waste bags, and a range of disposable underwear.
As part of several considerations being made to support both mental and physical wellbeing at work, the sanitary welfare packs were sent out to all sites at the beginning of February.
Menopause awareness within the Service
We recognise that, for those experiencing symptoms of the menopause, it can be a difficult and stressful time. That is why it is important for us to support our staff through every stage of the menopause.
A brand-new menopause awareness e-learning course has been developed and launched internally, for all staff. We are encouraging as many people as possible to complete this 30-minute course, to gain a better understanding around the menopause and the impact it can have on the women around us.
There is also now a self-referral form for anybody who needs to access Occupational Health for menopause-related support.