She was only 29 years old when she decided to pursue a physically demanding yet incredibly humane profession \u2013 that of a firefighter, without knowing that she would become the second female firefighter in North Macedonia.<\/p>\n
Meet Menka Stojanoska, a 33-year-old from Skopje, who is setting an example for her male colleagues by breaking stereotypes about firefighting being a male-dominated profession.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have been a part of the Skopje firefighting brigade for four and a half years now. I chose this profession because I wanted to be actively involved in something good and humanitarian, where I could contribute to the well-being of citizens. I always thought I would find myself in this profession, and working in the field has proved it. I have a strong desire for professions that require physical effort, and firefighting demands a lot of preparation and physical strength, which motivated me to push my limits. After passing the physical fitness test in the competition, I gained the trust of my male colleagues, and during training and tasks, I proved that they do not view me with prejudice or suspicion,\u201d she tells Euronews Albania.<\/p>\n
Stojanoska was not aware that there would only be one other female colleague in her profession, which further motivates her to promote firefighting among other women.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are only two females in the firefighting unit, but when I applied for the position, I wasn\u2019t even interested to know if there were any other women in the firefighting unit. I found out about it after joining the brigade. I am happy to have another female colleague who is older and more experienced.\u201d<\/p>\n
Stojanoska believes that women in any profession, always face more challenges on the road to success, but they can overcome them if they want to.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs I am still a young woman with few obligations, I find it easier to handle the weight of the profession and the schedule. However, I believe that when I become a mother someday, it might be a bit more challenging, but there is nothing in life that cannot be managed. In any profession, a woman has to manage both her career and her private life, educate and care for children, and that\u2019s something to be admired.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Skopje firefighting brigade is the only one with female members in its team, while in other cities, the profession is entirely male-dominated.<\/p>\n
The state has done nothing to increase the percentage of women in this profession.<\/p>\n