Meeting of women firefighters in Basel

Seventeen women firefighters from 12 different countries gathered in Basel, Switzerland, on August 6 and 7, 2024, for the annual meeting of CTIF’s Commission for Women in Fire and Rescue Services, as reported by CTIF.

This meeting is part of a yearly event hosted in different locations worldwide, allowing for in-depth discussions on various issues affecting women in the fire service.

The meeting was hosted by Swiss guest member Mireille Glauser at the pharmaceutical company ROCHE’s facility, which also has a professional onsite fire department.

Throughout the two-day conference, participants engaged in presentations and discussions on various topics, ranging from workplace ergonomics to bullying prevention and disaster response strategies.

These meetings are a crucial part of ongoing international exchanges among women in the fire service, supplementing regular online meetings held throughout the year.

Presentations and key discussions

The event began with a presentation from Mireille Glauser on ROCHE and its professional fire department.

This was followed by introductions and presentations from participants representing various countries, including Ireland, Sweden, and Greece.

A notable presentation from the Netherlands focused on the topic: “Water, friend or foe,” which captured the audience’s attention.

The second day of the conference opened with a talk from a ROCHE ergonomist on the importance of physical health in firefighting, titled “Strong back – strong performance.”

This was followed by a presentation from Canadian representatives on bullying prevention training, complemented by a similar session from Germany on guidelines for combating sexual harassment, discrimination, and bullying within the fire service.

Regional experiences and challenges

The conference also highlighted regional challenges faced by women in firefighting.

Greece presented on their seasonal forest fire unit, sharing insights into their operational strategies and challenges.

Slovenia shared experiences from recent floods, providing valuable lessons on disaster management and response.

These presentations allowed participants to exchange knowledge and discuss solutions that could be implemented in their respective countries.

Concluding the event

The meeting concluded with a brief but engaging tour of the host’s fire station, showcasing an impressive fleet of vehicles.

Although time was limited, the tour offered a glimpse into the resources and infrastructure supporting firefighting operations in Switzerland.

International women firefighters commission gathers in Basel for annual CTIF meeting: Summary

Seventeen women firefighters from 12 countries met in Basel, Switzerland, on August 6 and 7, 2024, for the annual CTIF Commission for Women in Fire and Rescue Services meeting.

Hosted by Mireille Glauser at ROCHE’s facility, the event included presentations on various topics such as ergonomics, bullying prevention, and disaster response.

Participants shared experiences from their respective countries, discussing challenges and strategies in the fire service.

The meeting ended with a brief tour of the host’s fire station, enhancing international collaboration among women in firefighting.

Photo by Mireille Glauser.