Photos: Mumbai’s women firefighters blaze through gender-divide

The first women to join the service’s 130-year history in 2011, three women assistant station officers (ASOs) have paved the way for 60-70 women who will join the force by December across 34 fire stations in the city. This year as the city prepares for Diwali, these women will successfully blaze through the gender-divide.

Updated on: Oct 09, 2017 4:18 PM IST

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Women firefighters during a training drill at the Wadala fire station in Mumbai. Around 60-70 firewomen will begin work across Mumbai’s 34 fire stations by the end of this year. (Aniruddha Chowdhury / Mint)

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A training drill in session for firewomen at the Wadala fire station. As part of recruitment, the women have to run a gruelling 200m track and then make a 19ft-high leap from a drill tower as part of their routine. (Aniruddha Chowdhury / Mint)

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To be recruited as firewomen, one needs to be physically and mentally strong. The women need to be between the ages of 20-25 and must be at least 162 cm tall, and weigh ‘not even 100 grams less’ than 50kg. (Aniruddha Chowdhury / Mint)

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Firewoman Chhaya Pawar (extreme right) updating the duty roster at Byculla. (Aniruddha Chowdhury / Mint)

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A reason behind hiring women is that sometimes they can go into spaces that men cannot. ‘The feminine touch is always useful, even if sometimes it’s just for shock value,’ says a department official. (Aniruddha Chowdhury / Mint)

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Like all government jobs, the fire services represent a solid opportunity for young women -- respect, a good salary and a shot at making something for themselves in a big city like Mumbai. (Aniruddha Chowdhury / Mint)

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Training comprises carrying a heavy hose to douse fires and a 13kg breathing apparatus unit on the back through an obstacle course in a cage full of smoke. (Aniruddha Chowdhury / Mint)

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Assistant station officers Sunita Patil (left) and Shubhangi Bhor at the Byculla fire station. (Aniruddha Chowdhury / Mint)