VFBV

Each year on March 8 - International Women’s Day (IWD) celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women as well as calling for action to accelerate women’s equality.

This year’s theme is #Give- ToGain. Give To Gain emphasises the power of reciprocity and support. When people, organisations, and communities give generously, opportunities and support for women increase. Giving is not a subtraction, it’s intentional multiplication.

When women thrive, we all rise.

Throughout CFA and VFBV, there are countless examples of the contribution women make to our communities and our fire services. To each of the dedicated, highly skilled and much appreciated women in CFA and across all fire and emergency services, thank you for the outstanding contribution you make to making communities safer today and every day of the year.

As individuals, giving support means calling out stereotypes, challenging discrimination, questioning bias, celebrating women’s success, and more. Sharing our knowledge and encouragement with others is also key.

We all need to take action every day and everywhere to forge gender parity.

Members are reminded of our CEO's editorial that covered International Women’s Day history in great detail, including some helpful hints and tips that invite CFA members to reflect on how each of us can contribute to building inclusive brigade cultures where women are not only welcomed, but thrive. You can re-read that piece here: VFBV CEO Editorial - Taking the lead on IWD

We also take this opportunity on International Women’s Day to re-share below many of the profile stories of influential and inspirational women across CFA that continue to inspire us.

	VFBV CEO Editorial: Taking the lead. Inviting CFA members to reflect on how each of us can contribute to building inclusive brigade cultures where women are not only welcomed but thrive.
	Faces of CFA – Kay Granter
	Australian Fire Service Medal recognizes trailblazing leadership
	From training ground to fireground: a first strike team experience
	Empowering our women leaders
	Firefighting across the globe, from France to South Morang
	Capturing the Little Desert fire on canvas
	Faces of CFA – Kaylene Stocks
	District 7 women leading the way
	Honouring our rural women from the field to frontline
	The two of us
	Planned Burn Taskforce women’s workshop
	South West women jump in the driver’s seat
	South East women stepping up
	Loch Sport member leads by example
	Prestigious award for experienced brigade captain
	Challenge camp inspires strength, confidence and connection among CFA women
	Leading the way for women's comfort and hygiene
	Bright mother opens the doors of opportunity to next generation
	Faces of CFA - Kate Lamble
	Blue pants mark an era of inclusion for Werribee women runners
	First aid and family ties keep Kate involved in State Champs
	Tinambra mum joins in on Champs family fun
	Wimmera pair join forces to take on state's best
	Dedicated volunteer and esteemed trainer recognised for service
	CFA volunteer and educator awarded AFSM
	Volunteer leader awarded AFSM medal
	Echuca teen steps up to the frontline in NSW
	Morwell's Junior program stalwart honoured
	Brigade honours 30 years of communications support
	Recruiting the family to serve the community
	Spotlight on seven influential women captains
	Faces of CFA - Lesley Forman
	Igniting new skills in fire investigation
	Edithvale volunteer stepping up as Deputy Group Officer for the South East
	Tatura local puts her own spin on being a volunteer
	Volunteering sets Langwarrin Lieutenant up for success
	Mothers leading the next generation of CFA volunteers
	New women's team to compete in State Firefighter Championships
	Trusted mentor recognised with highest honour
	Rosebud firefighter happy to help in the mountains
	Breast cancer survivor tells her story to help fellow firefighters
	Faces of CFA - Bronwyn Hastings
	Local favourite becomes first women to captain Sorrento Fire Brigade
	Avenel CFA gains first woman in their Captain's seat
	Inspirational leader receives firefighting's highest honor
	Camperdown brigade is a second family for young working locals
	Buzzing after their first turnout
	Newest Mallacoota Captain aims to inspire others
	Rowville Fire Brigade’s women leading the way
	Female firefighter Sheryl Batrouney talks about breaking the bias on the fireground
	Inspiring leader and Captain – Sheryn Gallagher
	Female Captains share stories for International Women's Day
	A celebration of CFA's rural women
	Volunteers honoured by road naming
	Creating connections and investing in our youth
	Diversity at the forefront for AFSM recipient
	Diamond Creek Fire Brigade boosts confidence in young members
	CFA celebrates International Women's Day
	Volunteers who are staff
	Following in the family's footsteps
	The joy of being a junior leader
	Faces of CFA - Leonie Turner, Hoddles Creek Fire Brigade
	A commitment to service
	A passion to lead CFA's next generation

About VFBV: VFBV is established under the Country Fire Authority Act and is the peak body for CFA Volunteers in Victoria. VFBV works tirelessly to represent, advocate and support CFA volunteers to the CFA Board and management, governments, ministers, members of parliament, councils, instrumentalities, business and the public. Our vision is for Strong Volunteerism, Embraced to Build Community Resilience for a Safer Victoria.

This article is part of our series celebrating women in CFA for International Women's Day. The first International Women’s Day gathering occurred in 1911, you can read more about the history of International Women’s Day on the International Women’s Day website. https://www.internationalwomensday.com/Activity/15586/The-history-of-IWD