Female Firefighters... Serving the Nation Knows No Impossible
- 33 female officers open a new chapter in the Fire Force
- Six months of qualification... and readiness to assume responsibility in operational roles
- Lieutenant Rutaj Al-Qattan: Our work is a testament to our loyalty to the homeland... and discipline and commitment are essential to protect individuals and property
- Lieutenant Lujain Al-Roumi: Women are capable of contributing to the civil defense and civil protection system
- Lieutenant Reetaq Baqer: Discipline, self-reliance, and teamwork... values that will accompany me throughout my life
- Lieutenant Lulwa Al-Jarar: Joining the Fire Force was a dream... and a personal aspiration
The first cohort of female officers in the General Fire Force began their professional careers after completing a six-month qualification program that included military, field, and physical training, alongside academic preparation, before being assigned to various sectors of the force according to their specializations and operational needs.
In an interview with "Al-Rai," the officers emphasized that their decision to join the Fire Force was driven by a conviction in its humanitarian mission, considering the protection of lives and property as the core of the profession. They also discussed their training experience, family support, the importance of teamwork, and their readiness to assume responsibility across different operational sites.
Lieutenant Lulwa Al-Jarar stated that joining the Fire Force was a dream and a personal aspiration from the outset, noting that the motto "protecting lives and property" was her primary motivation for choosing this career path, as it embodies a humanitarian message.
She added, "Who wouldn't wish to be the reason for saving a human life?"
She said that her family's support, particularly her father's, was a key factor in her decision to enroll in the course and successfully complete it, emphasizing that the family serves as the primary support for any girl wishing to embark on a military career.
She further noted that women have proven their ability to assume responsibility in various fields, expressing confidence that their presence in the Fire Force would add value to the work system, and encouraging young women not to hesitate in joining this profession.
For her part, Lieutenant Reetaq Baqer said that the course contributed significantly to her personal development, teaching her discipline, commitment, self-reliance, and teamwork, affirming that these values will accompany her throughout her life.
She added that the program was not limited to military training but also played a role in building character and enhancing self-confidence, noting that relationships with colleagues across different sectors are based on mutual respect and teamwork.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Lujain Al-Roumi explained that the training program prepared the female officers to assume operational responsibilities in administrative and field tasks when needed, affirming that women are capable of contributing to the civil defense and civil protection system, and that determination helps overcome challenges.
Lieutenant Fajr Al-Rashidi emphasized the importance of having female personnel in public relations management, noting that this facilitates reaching women and children during awareness campaigns in schools, shopping malls, and various events, thereby enhancing the dissemination of prevention and safety culture.
She added that many citizens and residents respond positively to awareness messages once they understand the importance of simple safety measures, such as smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and fire blankets, due to their role in reducing accidents and protecting lives.
She said that the six months of training were filled with challenges, ranging from adapting to military life, through physical and field exercises, to building a personality capable of assuming responsibility and working under pressure, affirming that teamwork and mutual support among her classmates contributed to the success of the experience.
For her part, Lieutenant Rotab Al-Qattan said that the entry of the first cohort of female firefighters reflects the General Fireforce’s direction toward leveraging national competencies and enhancing women’s participation in vital sectors, in line with the state’s policy of empowering women.
She emphasized that the diversity of the officers’ assignments across technical and administrative departments, as well as the prevention, public relations, and human resources development sectors, does not alter their core mission: serving the country and being ready to perform their duties whenever needed.
Lieutenant Fajr Al-Rashidi made history in the General Fireforce as the first female officer to join the Public Relations and Media Department, marking an unprecedented female presence in this vital sector.
Al-Rashidi confirmed that her choice to work in the Public Relations and Media Department stemmed from a firm conviction in the importance of preventive awareness. She stressed that disseminating a culture of safety is no less important than responding to incidents, as prevention constitutes the first line of defense in protecting lives and property.
She noted that the presence of female personnel in awareness campaigns has strengthened communication with women and children in schools, shopping malls, and public events, adding that many families respond more positively to awareness messages when delivered by a female officer from the Fireforce.
She revealed that her passion for working with the Fireforce began when she was fourteen, after watching a television program featuring the force. This experience solidified her understanding of the importance of the mission, which later materialized when she joined the first cohort of female firefighters and became the first officer in the Public Relations and Media Department.
Brigadier General Mohammed Al-Gharib, Director of the Public Relations and Media Department at the General Fireforce, stated that the graduation of the first cohort of female officers at the rank of lieutenant and their integration into the force represents a historic milestone and a qualitative leap in the institution’s journey. It reflects the force’s commitment to developing human resources and enhancing the participation of national talents across various firefighting fields.
He noted that this step embodies the General Fireforce’s approach to investing in national competencies and opening opportunities for Kuwaiti women to participate in vital sectors. He affirmed that the female officers are a valuable addition to the workforce and will play a role in supporting the force’s mission of protecting lives and property.
He explained that human resource development follows plans based on continuous training and qualification, keeping pace with the developments witnessed by the General Fireforce across its various sectors, and contributing to raising the level of readiness and professionalism in performing national duties.
Brigadier General Al-Gharib expressed his pride in the graduation of the first cohort of female officers, congratulating them and wishing them success in their careers. He encouraged them to serve as models of discipline, excellence, and dedication, and to be active partners in serving the country and society.
