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In certain industries, women are often faced with obstacles and challenges throughout their careers, from unfair treatment to sexist behavior. Particularly in fields that are traditionally male dominated, such as law enforcement, firefighting and emergency response, the increasing number of women is bringing to light many opportunities for improvement.
A gender-inclusive workforce benefits the entire community. Women can bring a unique perspective and skill set to high-stress situations and can serve as positive role models for their community. They may also be better equipped than their male counterparts to serve female victims of violence.
Even so, women experience a unique set of challenges that may make them more vulnerable to chronic stress and mental health problems. According to one study, about 20 percent of surveyed women firefighters exhibit signs of post-traumatic stress disorder. Compared to male colleagues, they were also more likely to contemplate suicide, with 30 percent reporting suicidal ideation at some point in their lives.
Understanding the challenges that are unique to women in uniform can help departments better support their entire workforce and empower women to seek help for job-related stress and mental health issues.
Gender-Based Discrimination and Bias in the Workplace
At first glance, male and female police officers, firefighters, and first responders appear to have the same job. They undergo the same interview and screening processes, receive the same training, and report to the same workplace. However, research shows that men and women have vastly different experiences on the job from one another.
In male-dominated fields such as law enforcement, the workplace culture is heavily influenced by traditionally masculine ideals. While this is damaging to men and women alike, women are particularly disadvantaged in this type of setting. For example, women police officers often report experiencing gender bias and are more likely to receive sexual or racial harassment. They also report that their professional achievements carry less weight than those of their male colleagues, and their physical abilities are often underestimated.
One study demonstrated the differences that male and female police officers face at work, showing that about half of women in uniform reported gender-based discrimination compared to three percent of men. Findings were similar for women in other male-dominated occupations, including among women firefighters, construction workers, and those in the military.
High-stress jobs such as law enforcement and firefighting have a profound impact on both male and female workers’ mental health. However, for many women, workplace stress isn’t limited to on-the-job hazards and exposure to traumatic situations. Instead, they face more stress than their male counterparts because these stressors are combined with the gender discrimination and harassment that are a direct byproduct of the workplace culture. Sometimes these jobs cultivate an us-versus-them mentality, by providing a support network for those who face similar hazards and traumas every day but excluding women as outsiders.
Balancing Work and Family Responsibilities
Women first responders, firefighters, and police officers also have unique challenges when it comes to balancing work with family responsibilities. While many households strive to ensure an equitable division of labor, women with children still tend to bear much of the mental and physical demands that come from parenthood. Pregnancy alone, a major medical event that exclusively impacts female workers, is an issue that many workplaces haven’t effectively handled.
A quick internet search demonstrates that even today, it’s not uncommon for workers in certain industries to be denied pay, suspended from their duties, or even fired for being pregnant. The legal protections for pregnant women in uniform are surprisingly shaky, with the Pregnancy Discrimination Act requiring that workplaces make the same accommodations for pregnant women as for those with disabilities. If the department doesn’t make accommodations for those with disabilities, pregnant women may not have the degree of protection they expect.
In traditionally male-dominated workplaces, many of the male workers with families have historically benefited from the support of spouses who managed home and child-raising tasks. Family-friendly policies aren’t standard because in many cases, they haven’t been seen as necessary. As more women enter law enforcement, firefighting and emergency response, this deficiency is becoming more detrimental, not only for female workers but for entire departments. Too often, female police officers report that their department’s lack of family-friendly policies makes it too hard to maintain their careers. Many law enforcement agencies report that once a woman starts a family, she typically quits her job.
Meeting Physical Demands and Fitness Standards
In some fields, particularly those in which physical strength is necessary for fulfilling job duties, women may experience challenges when meeting fitness standards. Because of biological differences, women often have to work harder and longer to attain the same level of strength as their male colleagues.
Ideally, physical ability tests for job candidates would be standardized, ensuring that all prospective workers were able to handle job duties. It makes sense for all firefighters, police officers and those serving in active military to meet minimum fitness standards for their own safety and that of their colleagues. However, there have been cases in which fitness standards were put in place not to ensure minimum requirements for all workers but to intentionally serve as a barrier for women.
Along with unfair screening practices and fitness standards that keep women from getting jobs they’re physically qualified for, too many male-dominated work environments are hostile toward women who do work there. Women’s strength is often underestimated, which can affect their ability to advance their careers.
The Unique Mental and Emotional Stressors Women Face
Women in jobs where at least 85 percent of workers are men report higher levels of stress than their male colleagues. A study conducted by researchers at Indiana University Bloomington measured daily stress hormone patterns in 440 women in male-dominated workplaces. It found that women who work in these environments have considerably higher levels of cortisol than women who work in more balanced environments. More significantly, they had higher stress levels than men who worked in predominately male workplaces, suggesting that elevated stress isn’t due only to job duties.
In high-stress or dangerous jobs where most workers are male, men have built-in support systems that can help them decompress after exposure to trauma. Women are often intentionally left out, depriving them of vital social support that could help them cope with on-the-job experiences.
Strategies for Addressing and Mitigating Occupational Stressors for Women in Uniform
The good news is that there are meaningful steps workplaces can take to create environments that are more friendly to all workers, including women. Some key strategies include:
- Using recruitment methods that are designed to promote gender inclusion
- Creating programs that support family engagement
- Putting a standardized system in place for recognizing and rewarding professional achievements
- Offering nonwage benefits such as paid parental leave, flexible scheduling and on-site childcare
- Making schedule accommodations to support work-life balance
- Providing training that focuses on creating an inclusive environment
- Standardizing the Candidate Physical Ability Test
- Following up on complaints regarding gender-based bullying, harassment and hostility
Unfortunately, women may not always find the support they need at work. Those working in dangerous or high-stress jobs may need to look outside the office for help with coping with regular exposure to danger or trauma. At FHE, we offer programs specifically for women, helping them support their mental health and navigate daily challenges. To learn more, contact us today.
