Women's delegates from Lower Saxony convene in Zeven, a regional gathering

In a significant move towards gender equality and inclusivity, the Rotenburg (Wümme) District Fire Department hosted an International Women's Day event on March 8, 2023, at the Zeven fire station.

The event was graced by the presence of Silvia Makowski, who took over the management of the Working Group of Women Firefighters in Lower Saxony at the Zeven fire stations. Sabine Schröder, the state women's representative of the Lower Saxony Fire Service Association, hosted the event.

Peter Dettmer, the district fire chief of Rotenburg (Wümme), welcomed the attendees and spoke about the district's commitment to promoting gender diversity within the fire service. He emphasized the need for change and the importance of creating a supportive environment for all firefighters.

The event marked the beginning of several initiatives aimed at improving the working conditions for women firefighters. One such initiative is the upcoming publication of a new fire service regulation, which will include a new fire service uniform for both male and female firefighters.

Sabine Schröder and her deputy, Tanja de Freese, discussed the creation of a support offer for sexual discrimination, violence, and harassment in the fire service. They also aimed to develop guidelines for leaders in the fire service regarding pregnancy.

The Lower Saxony Fire Service Association will have a stand at the Interschutz, an international leading trade fair for fire services, rescue services, and civil protection, taking place in Hannover next year. The Association will also host "Fire Service in Motion," a fitness event for firefighters, in Winsen, Harburg district, from August 1-3, 2025.

In addition, various workshops were shared from different districts, including technical assistance services and self-defense courses for women. These workshops aim to equip female firefighters with the necessary skills and knowledge to handle challenging situations.

Tanja de Freese, the deputy state women's representative, plans to organize a statewide forum for fire service women in East Frisia from October 10-12, 2025. This forum will provide a platform for women firefighters to share experiences, learn from each other, and discuss ways to improve the fire service for all.

For further questions, please contact Alexander Schröder, Deputy Press Spokesman of the Rotenburg (Wümme) District Fire Department, at 0172 2062789, [email protected], or visit their website at https://www.lk-row.de/feuerwehr. The Lower Saxony Fire Service Association's support offer for gender equality initiatives is adaptable for each local fire department and is available on their website.