Goan women have made their mark in many fields, from arts to business to medicine. And, now, here’s another young woman with fiery ambitions.
Disha Naik, a firefighter in the Aerodrome Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) unit of Manohar International Airport (MIA), in Mopa, has broken gender norms by becoming India's first certified woman firefighter to operate a crash fire tender.
THE FIREFIGHTING JOURNEY
Disha’s journey is a testament to her determination and extensive training. She applied for a position in the Airport Rescue & Firefighting Department at MIA in November 2021.
Her relentless dedication enabled her to clear all the prerequisites, and she officially joined the department on July 1, 2022, making her the first certified female firefighter from Goa.
Her relentless dedication enabled her to clear all the prerequisites, and she officially joined the department on July 1, 2022, making her the first certified female firefighter from Goa.
Her path was challenging, but transformative. Within few months of joining the airport, she expressed her interest in operating the crash fire tender (CFT) specially designed for aircraft rescue and firefighting.
So, she underwent six months of rigorous external training in Tamil Nadu, which equipped her with the skills and knowledge necessary for the demanding role of a CFT operator.
ONE OF THE BOYS
Roughly 20 percent of the workforce at the airport comprises women. The management encouraged Disha when she expressed her interest in operating the crash fire tender.
They also facilitated her participation in defensive driving training in Namakkal, Tamil Nadu, followed by specialised training on the Rosenbauer Crash Fire Tender.
She was not given any special treatment because she was a woman, and had to undergo the same testing as her male counterparts. Upon completing her comprehensive training, Disha faced evaluation by a special board of experts who assessed her driving and operational skills.
Her exemplary performance resulted in her certification as the nation's first lady firefighter authorised to operate the crash fire tender, specially designed for aircraft rescue and firefighting.
Disha's historic achievement marks a significant milestone in airport firefighting. It reflects her personal determination and GGIAL's commitment to diversity and empowerment. This accomplishment exemplifies breaking of barriers and the creation of equal opportunities in the field of airport firefighting.
CEO of GGIAL, R V Sheshan, said, "GGIAL is committed to encouraging and enhancing the talent of its employees. We believe in creating a culture of learning that helps our employees flourish, and ensures that they stay ahead in the rapidly changing business environment." "Women constitute around 20 percent of GGIAL's workforce, and we are dedicated to maintaining gender diversity and providing equal growth opportunities," he added.