For generations, women have saved lives, launched lifeboats, and raised millions for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). At Dunmore East RNLI, women are continuing this lifesaving legacy.
At the age of 18, Raina Freiberg, joined the RNLI in Tramore in 2005, eager to make a difference in her community. Now part of the Dunmore East RNLI lifeboat crew, she is proud to have served on four lifeboats and three different lifeboat classes, gaining valuable experience and skills over the course of nearly 20 years service with the charity.
Raina said: ‘As a woman in the RNLI, I feel privileged to be part of the station where Frances Glody paved the way in RNLI history.’
You can listen back to a short interview with Raina here.
In 1981, Dunmore East’s Frances Glody became the first female RNLI all-weather lifeboat crew member in Ireland. Today, women make up around 12.3% of the RNLI’s volunteer lifeboat crew, a figure which is steadily growing. Raina is pleased to see the changes over the years, such as the new crew kit designed specifically for women.
She says it's the little things that make big differences: ‘I’m thrilled to see all-female crews saving lives at sea and I believe that there is an opportunity for women to fulfil any role they desire in the RNLI. We are all working together to save lives and keep people safe.’
Sue Kingswood, RNLI Inclusion and Diversity Manager said: ‘Creating an inclusive culture which supports diversity is key to our long-term sustainability. So, we’re working hard to make sure that a wide range of people see the RNLI as a charity where they’re welcome as volunteers, supporters or staff.
‘As we approach our 200th anniversary, women are now more evident in operational search and rescue (SAR ) roles throughout the RNLI than they have ever been before. They are also better represented across operational management and in SAR training roles, which is great to see.
‘However, we still have a long way to go to achieve the representation we would like, not only where women are concerned, but across a much broader spectrum of diversity too.’
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