The head of the London Fire Brigade has condemned the use of the word "firemen" as "outdated" and said it should be scrapped to encourage more women to enter the profession.
London Fire Commissioner Dany Cotton is urging the nation to stop using the term as part of a drive to encourage more women to become firefighters.
The Commissioner is asking people to show their support by using the hashtag #FirefightingSexism on their social media accounts, and stating they will not use the word "fireman".
She said: "The first woman firefighter joined London Fire Brigade in 1982 and it's ridiculous that 35 years later people are still surprised to see women firefighters or calling them firemen.
"London is a complex and challenging city and it takes a diverse selection of skills, strengths and specialisms to protect it - qualities that both men and women possess.
"I want to shake off outdated language which we know is stopping young girls and women from considering this rewarding and professional career.
"We owe it to tomorrow's firefighters to challenge negative stereotypes today."
Ms Cotton will launch the campaign as she attends the Women of the Year Award 2017 on Monday.
Read More
MORE ABOUT