Melissa Geils shares her journey and commitment to equality in emergency services.

On International Women's Day, seven female firefighters in Ontario talk about their passion for the profession and the changing role of women in the fire service. They share their challenges and visions as they navigate their journeys.

Melissa Geils has been a firefighter in Thunder Bay for two years. What inspired her to become a firefighter was the desire to help others. We get to help people on their worst days, she says.

However, she says her biggest challenge so far has been getting the job, passing the physical test to get into the profession .

I had to spend a lot of time, actually several years, training and preparing myself to meet the physical demands of the job, at the same level as my male colleagues. That was definitely my biggest challenge , she explains.

Today, she is pleased with some progress in the profession in favour of women: A big step forward [...] was the recognition [...] of breast, ovarian and cervical cancers as occupational diseases [...], while cancers specific to men have been recognised for some time , she emphasizes.

Melissa Geils overcame physical challenges to pursue a career still dominated by men.

Sara Pellanda in action symbolizing her commitment to community safety.

Sara Pellanda finds great satisfaction in serving the community where she grew up by contributing to local public safety.

Sara Pellanda, a North Bay firefighter for two years, finds her most rewarding moments come when she sees the positive impact of her work.

The feeling you get when you really help someone in need is a feeling like no other. That's what motivates me to keep helping people, to keep doing hard things , she explains.

Sara sees a shift in the roles of women in emergency services. I see women moving up the ranks of firefighting just as any man would.

Her message to young women aspiring to the same career: Go to your local fire department, ask for a tour and see how you feel in that environment. If you feel excited in the apparatus room, if you're curious about the different types of equipment, this might just be the passion you're looking for.

Mikaela McGill, a Peterborough firefighter, has faced many challenges as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field, she says. One of the biggest obstacles has been the lack of hands-on experience with mechanics, power tools and other technical skills. “You have to constantly prove your competence and strength ,” she says.

She notes that over the years, more and more women have joined the emergency services, proving that these careers are not reserved for men. She adds: The female representation has changed everything and given me the confidence to take the plunge.

Her message to young people who want to follow this path: Don't wait for someone else to look like you to prove that it's possible. You can be the one to inspire the next generation. The more women we have in emergency services, the more we'll be seen as normal and the more we can break down those mental barriers for other people.

Mikaela McGill inspires future generations of women in emergency services.

Mikaela McGill in action to demonstrate her determination and commitment to breaking stereotypes in the firefighting profession.

The changing role of women in the firefighting profession.

Kyla Tunstall is a probationary firefighter in Sudbury. She remembers being inspired at age 16 by female firefighters around her. I thought, this is a pretty cool job. That’s when I knew I wanted to be a firefighter.

When asked if being a woman was a barrier, she replies confidently: I am quite confident. I didn't feel like being a girl was a barrier.

After several months in the profession, she notices a positive evolution: The stereotype around women in the firefighters' environment is evolving positively. It is now a big happy family.

Kyla feels fully accepted and supported by her colleagues: I don't feel like a burden to anyone. They don't treat me like I'm a burden.

Kyla Tunstall expresses her passion for her profession, which she considers a true calling, thus helping to transform stereotypes in the field.

Samantha Béchard remembers her first day at the fire station: It was scary, but the team was super welcoming. They showed us around the fire station, showed us the trucks, and quickly made us feel like we were part of the team.

She also sees that the field has evolved a lot and is no longer as male-dominated as it used to be. Today, she feels fully accepted and has never felt excluded.

However, she does mention one obstacle she has had to overcome: I am really small , she says. Some people doubt my strength and wonder if I will be able to save them in an emergency.

Samantha Béchard says female firefighters are capable of doing everything men can do, and sometimes even better.

Samantha Béchard expresses her confidence and pride in the role of women in the fire service, highlighting the progress made in this area.

Advances in the firefighting profession

Sudbury captain Darcie Merrill speaks to the strides made over the past two decades to promote gender equality in the fire service.

She also notes that equipment, such as work clothes, have been adapted to better suit women's body shapes.

Still, she acknowledges that some barriers remain. The way our barracks are set up doesn't necessarily accommodate both genders. We're working with our employer to renovate the barracks so there are proper toilets.

As union vice president, Darcie Merrill has been actively involved in representing women in historically male-dominated roles, helping to reshape the culture of the fire service.

I am vice-president of our union. The fact that women are occupying these positions that were always occupied by men is a sign of great change , she emphasizes.

Darcie Merrill shares the progress made toward equality and inclusivity in the fire service while highlighting the barriers that remain.

She also explains what women bring to the job: A unique blend of empathy and communication skills in the firefighting profession. That's crucial in high-pressure situations to defuse tensions and provide emotional support to those who need it , she says.

She adds that women bring a different perspective when it comes to problem solving and teamwork.

Darcie Merrill, Sudbury captain and union vice-president.