In line with its gender equality policy, Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipality is increasing the visibility of women in traditionally male-dominated professions. Having expanded the employment of women drivers in public transport, the Municipality has now ushered in a new era in firefighting by bringing women personnel into the Fire Department.

Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipality continues to challenge traditional occupational stereotypes through policies aimed at strengthening gender equality. After taking a significant step in the field of transport by expanding the employment of women drivers in public transport, the Municipality has now launched a new phase in male-dominated professions by increasing the number of women firefighters within the Fire Department.

Ten women firefighters on duty

Ten women firefighters who began their posts in 2025 are taking an active role in many demanding duties, from fires and traffic accidents to search and rescue operations and natural disasters. Working round the clock on a shift basis, they stand out both for their performance in the field and for the determination they show in the face of social prejudice. As part of this approach, which aims to increase women’s visibility in public life and open up new opportunities for young women, the Municipality plans to increase the number of women employees in the Fire Department in the coming period.

Helin Tay and Şeymanur Aydın, who serve at the Kayapınar Group Command of the Fire Department, spoke about the work they have carried out since starting their jobs.

‘Women can overcome anything’

Firefighter Helin Tay said that there is a widespread belief in society that certain professions can only be done by men, and stressed that this perception needs to be broken. Contrary to such assumptions, she said, women are capable of overcoming many challenges, and that this was one of the reasons why she decided to become a firefighter.

‘I performed well at my first incident’

Tay said that when she chose firefighting, people around her assumed that she would not be able to do it. “But I told them that I could carry out the profession of firefighting properly. Those who thought I could not do this job are now proud of me,” she said.

She added that her first assignment as a firefighter was a factory fire, where she delivered a strong performance.

‘People’s surprise increases my motivation’

Tay said that people are often surprised when they see them. “For example, when we attend certain incidents and take off our helmets, people are surprised when they see us. That motivates me even more,” she said.

Stressing that firefighting is certainly not a profession for men alone, Tay said that women have already proved this through their successful performance in many firefighting operations. She added that they would continue working to ensure that more women take their place in the fire service.

‘Young women can do this job with confidence’

Tay said that young women who are considering becoming firefighters often ask whether they can do the job. “I do not think they would struggle too much. Above all, they need to do this profession with commitment and enthusiasm. If they choose this work, I am sure they will be proud of themselves,” she said.

‘The training was highly effective’

Tay said she believes that an increase in the number of women firefighters will enhance the institution’s standing. She noted that before starting duty, they received theoretical, first-aid and practical training on fires, traffic accidents and similar emergency incidents. She added that, in order to gain experience, they also attended real fire scenes during the training period, and said that the training process had been highly productive.

‘Helping people makes me love this profession even more’

Tay said that making a difference in people’s lives is a great source of pride, particularly for women, and added that being able to help those in need has made her feel even more committed to her profession. She also noted that although she had previously passed many exams, she had never had the opportunity to wear a firefighter’s uniform. She said she was proud that Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipality had given her the opportunity to practise this profession.

‘I chose this profession to break taboos’

Şeymanur Aydın also said that she had set her mind on becoming a firefighter while she was still in secondary school, and that this was why she chose to study firefighting at university and is now serving in the profession. “We live in a patriarchal society. Women are held back. I chose this profession to break those taboos,” she said.

‘Learning something new every day makes life more meaningful’

Describing the feeling she experienced when she attended her first assignment, Aydın said, “I felt that my efforts had paid off.” She stressed that the firefighting incidents she encounters professionally allow her to learn new things every day, and that this makes her life more meaningful.

‘Once we succeed, everything returns to normal’

Aydın said that when they encounter men in the field, there is often an initial sense of surprise. However, once they demonstrate success, everything settles back into its normal course, and she added that this motivates her.

‘We run towards the places people run away from’

Aydın said that during the first five to six months of her professional life, what struck her most was the fact that while others were fleeing the scene, they were running towards it and trying to intervene. Pointing out that the perception of firefighting as “a man’s job” is in fact a conventional stereotype, Aydın said: “This will be overcome in time, and we are helping to lead that change. There is nothing women cannot achieve. Any of our friends who believe in themselves and have confidence in themselves can choose this profession.”

Aydın also said that they received various forms of training before starting the job and that this training is still continuing. She noted that they had learned a great deal about how to respond to incidents and how to act in different situations, and that they put this knowledge into practice in the field.