PFCC speaks up for greater inclusivity for women and girls at International Women’s Day conference

Roger Hirst MBE, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, spoke of the need for greater inclusivity for women in county communities at a conference for emergency services and partners to mark International Women’s Day.

At the conference, hosted today at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service headquarters in Kelvedon Park, Essex, representatives of emergency services and community safety partners came together to celebrate the contribution of women to safe and secure communities.

Mr Hirst said there was a need for greater inclusivity in all aspects of society for women and called for greater behavioural education for men.

Mr Hirst said: “Against a background of rising domestic abuse and sexual violence, we must work together — in true partnership — to make Essex safer for women and girls.”

While Mr Hirst highlighted that as Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, he and the Chief Constable were working hard to create communities where women and girls were safe and secure, he made the point that societal change is a long-term project.

Mr Hirst said: “It is a challenge that affects every community, every profession, and every part of our county. And it is a challenge we cannot afford to ignore.”

Efforts to improve the representation of women in Essex Police and Essex County Fire and Rescue Service were also highlighted.

Women now make up 38% of Essex Police officers, with female ECFRS firefighters around 9% of the service. Mr Hirst said moves and policies were being made by both services to bring this up to 50%.