First Lady champions women in fire service |14 May 2026
A souvenir photograph with the First Lady
The women of the Seychelles Fire and Rescue Services Agency had the honour of meeting the First Lady of the Republic, Veronique Herminie, in a session dedicated to empowering women within the service and beyond.
The gathering recognised the vital contribution of women firefighters to the agency and the nation, while motivating them to continue excelling in their careers. Discussions centred on empowerment, leadership, and seizing opportunities in male-dominated professions.
Chief Fire Officer Tally Domingue, the first woman to hold the post, shared her journey of resilience and discipline. She encouraged participants to embrace continuous learning and growth, while engaging in open dialogue about shared challenges.
Principal secretary for Homeland Security, Sheryl Vengadasamy, also commended the women for their dedication, urging them to remain resilient, support one another, and pursue professional development.
The First Lady spoke candidly about her own journey, balancing family responsibilities with professional commitments. She emphasised the importance of passion, determination, and continuous education. Her story resonated deeply, inspiring participants to believe that growth and success are achievable.
The Seychelles Fire and Rescue Services Agency (SFRSA) noted that the session was proposed by the First Lady as part of International Firefighters’ Day activities. This year’s theme, ‘Fit for Service, Fit for Life’, encouraged the agency to dedicate an event specifically to recognising and empowering women.
The discussion provided a safe space for women officers to share experiences and challenges. Topics included work-life balance, confidence-building, leadership, and the importance of mutual support. Many spoke of the pride they feel serving in the SFRSA, while acknowledging the sacrifices required in emergency services.
Persistent challenges were highlighted, including stereotypes about women’s capabilities, the need to constantly prove themselves, and the difficulty of balancing demanding professional duties with family life. Representation was also raised as a concern, with fewer women in leadership roles making progression harder. Role models such as CFO Domingue and Senior Divisional Officer Cathrina Laurence were praised for paving the way for younger women entering the profession.
The event left participants motivated to continue breaking barriers and contributing meaningfully to the service and the nation. SFRSA expressed hope that the session would encourage women officers to step outside their comfort zones, pursue leadership opportunities, and reinforce the message that gender should never be a limitation.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to staff well-being and professional development, noting that investing in its workforce builds a stronger, healthier, and more motivated team – ultimately benefiting both the agency and the wider community it serves.
Contributed