TAIPEI (TVBS News) — In a landmark decision on Friday (May 31), Taiwan's Constitutional Court ruled that the National Fire Agency's (NFA) minimum height requirement for female firefighters is unconstitutional.
This ruling comes after a woman, identified only by her surname Chen (陳), was disqualified from firefighter training in 2018 for being 1.1 centimeters shorter than the required 160 centimeters.
A Step Towards Equality
The NFA announced it would adjust the recruitment criteria for female firefighters based on the actual demands of firefighting tasks. This decision follows the Constitutional Court's judgment, which found the height restriction discriminatory against women, highlighting the need for change.
Future Implications
The court's decision is expected to lead to significant changes in the selection system for female firefighters, ensuring that criteria are aligned with the practical needs of firefighting work. The NFA has committed to revising the foundational conditions for the selection of female firefighting personnel, marking a significant step towards gender equality in Taiwan's emergency services.
This ruling not only rectifies a long-standing issue of gender discrimination but also opens the door for more women to join the firefighting force, contributing to a more inclusive and diverse emergency response team in Taiwan.