FEMALE leaders in Herefordshire's emergency services have said their workplaces are trying their best to stamp out sexism and misogyny, but there is still some way to go.

In recognition of International Women's Day, on March 8, leaders of West Mercia Police, West Midlands Ambulance Trust and Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) are supporting this year's theme of "inspire inclusion".

Inspector Julz Watson said: "There is a drive to increase workforce diversity in all its forms, to provide a police service that is truly representative of the communities it serves; however, we are not yet at the point of gender parity. We too are working hard to stamp out sexism and misogyny, ensuring that workplaces are inclusive for all."

Michelle Brotherton, meanwhile, joined the ambulance service at the age of 16 and is now the non-emergency services operations delivery and improvement director at West Midlands Ambulance Trust. She is also assistant chief ambulance officer and remains a paramedic. She said: "When I started, we had a handful of female staff and we now make up 51.6 per cent.

"This demonstrates how much work West Midlands Ambulance Service has undertaken to not only attract female team members but also increase female staff throughout the ranks.

"Reflecting back to where we were when I started, it's amazing to see the progress. I'm really proud of my career, joining straight from school. If I can do it, so can you!"

Sam Pink, an area commander and assistant director of response at HWFRS, said: "As someone who spent most of my career in a male-dominated sector and as a female senior leader in a fire and rescue service, I recognise that promoting diversity, equality and inclusion is not a goal; it is a responsibility.

"At HWFRS we support the inspire inclusion theme, in creating an equitable and inclusive workplace for all team members."

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The fire service recently hosted an event called "Lift as you Climb" which was aimed at uniting women with motivational career and personal development talks.

It featured talks from Sarah-Jayne Bray, chair of the South Wales policing gender equality network, and Georgina Gilbert, who was nominated as the most influential LGBT individual in the fire service.

International Women's Day, when women across all walks of life around the world are recognised and celebrated, is on March 8.