Winnipeg, MB – In honour of the International Day of the Girl being recognized today, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) partnered with the Government of Manitoba's Status of Women Secretariat to host groups of Winnipeg girls at four WFPS locations. The purpose of these visits is to ensure young girls know that careers in the Fire and Paramedic Service are within their grasp.
Today, approximately 100 sixth grade girls from four Winnipeg schools had the opportunity to participate in WFPS station tours, ask questions to female responders and try their hand at a variety of drills and demonstrations, including learning about CPR, trying on firefighter turn out gear and learning stretcher and hose handling skills.
"Today is International Day of the Girl, and this year's theme centres around preparing girls for the workforce," said Manitoba Sustainable Development Minister Rochelle Squires, minister responsible for the status of women. "This event reminds us that no career goal is off limits for girls, including the Winnipeg Fire and Paramedic Service. I hope the girls participating today have fun, make new friends and come away with greater confidence in their abilities."
"The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service is very proud to host this event in honour of International Day of the Girl," said Chief John Lane, WFPS. "It is our hope that these girls leave here feeling empowered, knowing that a career in firefighting or paramedicine is within their reach. It would be wonderful if in ten years we see some of them joining our team of responders."
Currently, within the WFPS firefighting ranks, approximately five per cent of staff identify as female. Within EMS, that number jumps to approximately 35 per cent. Research states that many young people start leaning towards their particular career interests by approximately 12 years old, which is why today's event is aimed at girls of this age.
For the past several years, the Status of Women Secretariat has approached groups representing different career sectors where females are traditionally under-represented in the work force to plan similar events. In the past, they've featured computer programming and careers in policing.