Practicing Feedback

Non-Traditional Women

        I never realized how insecure a man could act until I chose to challenge him on his own ground. It is becoming more common for women to choose non-traditional jobs. Yet, the stigma of being a woman who chooses to move out of the role of a traditional female job and into a non-traditional job is still there. In my eleven years as a firefighter, I still encounter males who are suspicious and intimidated by a woman who chooses to make her career in firefighting. I believe that part of the problem lies in such statements as: "Women are not as physically capable as men" and "Women cannot handle the high levels of stress due to exposure to trauma and tragedy." These generalized statements were made long before women were chose to join the firefighting profession. So, the stigma exists. "We must challenge those beliefs which oppress us within our family, our culture, in addition to those in the dominant culture" (Viramontes 483). I have learned to transcend society's gender roles, it only takes a little perseverance.

        In the internet article "Women in Firefighting: A History," the history of women in the fire service goes back deep in the past. Most of this history is lost due to the lack of reporting the names of the hundreds or thousands of women who served their communities on bucket brigades, fire watches, and volunteer fire companies. The honor of being the first woman firefighter is attributed to an African-American woman named Molly Williams. She was a slave of a member of Oceanus Engine Company #11 in New York City. She took her place along side the men on the dragropes and pulled the pumper to the fires, and she was considered "as good a fire laddie as many of the boys." Women's history in firefighting continues on. Women joining volunteer fire stations and becoming honorary members is a part of our history that men have a tendency to overlook. History tells a story of competent women who had the support of family and friends and the physical strength and endurance to become successful firefighters.

        As history denotes, women have been successful firefighters. So, why are the male firefighters feeling threatened? There is general skepticism about women's competence as firefighters. One of the effects of the male firefighting tradition and the society's beliefs about women and men are due to a general lack of public support for women's presence in the fire service. Others effects include a "perceived conflict between a woman's self-image as a woman and her work as a firefighter, discomfort with the "pioneer" role (i.e. many women don't want to be the first women on the job or the only woman in their firehouse), and women may not believe they can be as competent firefighters as men" (Women Firefighters). This is a huge obstacle to overcome. Each woman must look to herself to find the confidence and self-assurance she will need to overcome these gender-based, societal beliefs.

        Firefighting is physically demanding and dangerous, but it is also very rewarding. Each woman who chooses to become a firefighter will need to commit to being physically fit, constantly work on her endurance, and learn how to deal with extreme stress. You may find that once you are committed there is more support than you might have imagined. Spousal support and the support of family and friends will make your transition from the traditional nine to five job to the job requiring nights and weekends away from home easier. As far as dealing with stress, everyone has his or her own way of coping. Society's belief that a woman will have a more difficult time, than a man, dealing with the high level of stress is just a connotation derived from a statement made that literally condemns women. "In the past we have been labeled as the weaker sex, and it is logical to assume that we are of weaker minds as well" (Viramontes 483). Each of us, whether man or woman, has our own way of dealing with stress and there is no correct solution for everyone.

        Luckily not all men condemn a woman to a life in the traditional role. "As we slowly examine our own existence in and out of this culture, we are breaking stereotypes, reinventing traditions for our own daughters and sons" (Viramontes 483). I am grateful and thankful for all of the women who chose to step beyond tradition and who have the courage and strength of character to be the pioneers of our generation.