Newsroom

Making Menopause Work

A national campaign aimed at normalising conversations around menopause at work has been launched.

The Menopause Awareness Ribbon Campaign, aimed at employers and the wider public, will signal a willingness to talk about the life transition, ask for help and reduce the stigma and shame often associated with it.

First Minister John Swinney said, “We all have loved ones, partners, friends and colleagues who are experiencing the menopause. It is something that many women can still find it hard to talk about but it’s important that we all do.

“By talking more openly about the menopause we can empower women to seek the support they need, when they need it and address the stigma that still surrounds this natural life transition.”

The campaign has been launched by Perth-based charity Menopause Café, which, since forming in 2017, has sparked a global movement of informal ‘cafes’ across the world, where people of all ages and genders get together either at work or in the community to discuss menopause.   Last year, with support from the charity, over 360 Menopause Cafes were held worldwide, from the UK and USA to Chile, Zambia, Bahrain and Portugal, empowering more than 3,600 participants to get talking.

Rachel Weiss, Founder of Menopause Café added, “As we celebrate World Menopause Awareness Month in October, the profile of menopause has never been higher.

“However, unfortunately, stigma and shame remain for many, especially at work.  Because of debilitating symptoms like hot flushes and poor concentration, many go part-time, avoid promotions or leave their jobs. When women downgrade or even abandon their careers, the gender pay and pension gaps widen.

“Through the Menopause Awareness Ribbon Campaign, we want to normalise conversations about menopause, which affects half of the world’s population and impacts the other half.  We want our ribbons to be worn in every part of the UK and, eventually, internationally: in workplaces, in pubs, cafes, on the streets, everywhere! We’re also encouraging employers to host Menopause Cafes, as only through talking can we spark real change. Equally, it’s about creating a more inclusive and diverse workforce.  Employees going through menopause have amassed significant life and work experience. We need to celebrate the skills and attributes that people of all ages bring to the workforce.”

One of the first employers to support the ribbon campaign is Perth and Kinross Council, which will make the ribbons available for staff within various breakout and communal areas.  The local authority will also host a Menopause Café for colleagues and the wider public on World Menopause Day (Friday, 18 October 2024).   Meanwhile, Perth charity Mindspace has also signed up to the campaign.

Perth and Kinross Council leader Councillor Grant Laing said, “Supporting Menopause Awareness Month is crucial for our council. We recognise the significant impact menopause can have on our employees and women in the community.

“By raising awareness and providing the necessary support, we aim to create a more inclusive and understanding environment. We are committed to fostering a workplace where everyone feels valued and supported, especially during such a pivotal time in their lives.”

As well as making the ribbons available for sale to businesses and retail spaces, the charity has launched a social media campaign featuring videos from high-profile supporters nationwide, calling for audiences to ‘support the cause: Menopause’. Order a box of Menopause Awareness ribbons or  single ribbons from   www.menopausecafe.org

ENDS