Tehran, Iran – The increasing presence of women in various social, political, and cultural fields is one of the most significant achievements of recent years. Women now make up 70% of university students and more than 60% of healthcare professionals. However, their role is not limited to administrative or low-risk jobs. Over the past years, women have increasingly entered demanding and high-risk professions, including firefighting.
The story of women firefighters in Tehran is one of perseverance, overcoming obstacles, and making history. These women fought to break stereotypes, proving their ability to handle the same challenges as their male counterparts.
Breaking Barriers: The First Women Firefighters in Tehran
In 2020, Tehran’s Fire and Safety Organization announced the recruitment of women firefighters for the first time. More than 600 women applied, but the journey was far from easy. Applicants had to pass a series of rigorous tests, including physical fitness, psychological assessments, and fire rescue training.
Ultimately, only 16 women successfully met all the criteria and entered the firefighter training program. After months of intensive training, they joined Fire Station No. 138, the first all-women fire station in Tehran, located in the Sattarkhan neighborhood.
Life Inside Tehran’s First Women’s Fire Station
Upon arriving at Fire Station No. 138, the women firefighters were fully engaged in training exercises. The station was smaller than expected, and even their fire truck was different from the standard model used by men. However, they adapted quickly, determined to prove their worth.
One of the firefighters, Shahrzad Samimi, shared her inspiring journey:
“I never thought I would achieve my dream of becoming a firefighter. Years ago, I was introduced to a volunteer firefighter program, and despite having no prior interest, I joined. Over time, I fell in love with firefighting. However, I was told that women couldn’t be professional firefighters in Tehran. The only option was in Karaj, but I couldn’t relocate. So, I gave up my dream and pursued an engineering degree. But in 2020, when I saw a new recruitment advertisement, I knew this was my chance. I trained hard, passed the tests, and finally became a firefighter.”
Facing Challenges and Looking Ahead
The women’s firefighting unit faced numerous challenges, from equipment limitations to structural barriers. Unlike their male colleagues, they were given a standard van instead of a fire truck, lacking necessary fire suppression tools. Despite these challenges, they have handled numerous emergency cases, including rescuing trapped individuals and responding to elevator accidents.
Another firefighter, Atefeh Sarlak, emphasized the importance of public perception:
“We thought people might not take us seriously because firefighting is seen as a male-dominated profession. But surprisingly, we received a lot of support. Women and children feel safer and more comfortable when they see female firefighters on duty.”
The women firefighters of Tehran are pushing for expansion, advocating for more female recruits and additional stations across the city. They hope that their pioneering role will inspire future generations of women to pursue careers in emergency services.