Leading firefighter Yva Woerle’s conquering male dominated world

A leading Top End firefighter has a message for women who are looking to get into male-dominated fields. Find out what that message is.

Yva Woerle knew the road ahead wasn’t going to be an easy one. Picture: Supplied

Before she even submitted her application to become a firefighter, Yva Woerle knew the road ahead wasn’t going to be an easy one.

She entered a field mostly dominated by men and had surrounded herself with people who hadn’t yet adjusted to the idea of women working as firefighters.

And when she eventually was accepted, Ms Woerle was the only woman firefighter in Darwin for almost two years.

But a lot has changed since then, with the mother-of-two now a leading firefighter at the Northern Territory Fire and Emergency Services and less than two months away from celebrating her 10th year in the service.

Ms Woerle was born in Alice Springs and raised in the Territory. Picture: Supplied

Ms Woerle always knew she had a lot to prove — but most of it was to herself.

“I wanted to do something I was passionate about,” she said.

“It wasn’t pressure from others, but definitely from myself.

“You feel like you have to fit in, not make waves, and definitely not stand out more than necessary.

“There were certainly moments where I felt like my abilities were questioned.”

Ms Woerle said International Women’s Day, March 8, was an important celebration and recognised how far society has come in recognising women for their efforts.

Ms Woerle said it was important to find a support network. Picture: Supplied

“For me, it was a day to celebrate women and everything we’ve achieved, what we’ve overcome and how much further we still have to go,” she said.

“It’s important to recognise how far we’ve come, but also to acknowledge that some changes are still moving at a glacial pace.

“It’s not just in the fire service but across society as a whole.”

Ms Woerle offered some final advice to women entering male-dominated fields like firefighting.

“Sometimes it can feel like a battle to feel like you belong, especially when you’re in a minority,” she said.

“But it’s important to find a strong support network to help you along the way.

“Don’t let that minority push you down; don’t let stereotypes or stigmas hold you back.

“You can do it; believe in yourself and keep going.”