menopause (opens in new tab) It’s finally been in the headlines over the past few years—mainly thanks to celebrities like Davina McCall and Penny Lancaster openly discussing their own menopausal symptoms. (opens in new tab)To encourage other women to do the same and to petition for better rights.
Things seemed to be moving in the right direction – only last year the government appointed a women’s health minister and HRT was sold over the counter (opens in new tab),
In July 2022, the cross-party Women’s and Equality Committee presented twelve recommendations for menopausal rights in the UK. This was after they published findings which concluded that the lack of menopause support in the UK is currently causing the economy to “haemorrhage genius”, putting women out of work.
Yet, sadly, a proposal to change the current law and protect women going through the menopause was rejected by MPs yesterday.
Five of the twelve suggestions have been rejected outright, including a recommendation to make menopause a “protected characteristic” in the Equality Act. This would have made it illegal to discriminate against people who are struggling at work because of menopausal symptoms.
So, why were the suggestions rejected? It is believed that Members of Parliament feared that the proposal could discriminate against men.
The official response stated that they wanted to “avoid unintended consequences that could inadvertently lead to new forms of discrimination, for example, risk discrimination towards men suffering from long-term medical conditions.”
To add to the gloom, one of the other ideas rejected by the government was a large-scale menopause leave pilot, which they deemed unnecessary and “counter-productive”.
A government spokesman defended the move, saying they had “put women’s health at the top of the agenda as part of the England First women’s health strategy.”
“We are implementing an ambitious program of work with the NHS to improve menopause care so that all women have access to the support they need,” he continued.
What does this mean for you?
Well, it’s time to defend the rights of women. The tips were designed to ensure that women don’t have to continue to miss work because of their menopausal symptoms – rather, provide them with the support they need during one of the most difficult times in their lives.
It is important that we support the movement until the necessary changes are made.
specifically speaking Marie Claire UK about tricks, Dr. Shireen Lakhani (opens in new tab), who treats women with menopausal symptoms at her clinic Elite Aesthetics, shares that it’s “very frustrating.” “The Government has rejected five recommendations of the Committee on Women and Equality, [all of which were] With a view to giving more rights to working women.”
“Women should have access to the necessary education and treatment needed to successfully navigate menopause and, should they need time off from work, should be able to do so without discrimination,” she continues.
did you know Research by Number7 found that one in ten women aged 45 to 55 have left a job due to menopausal symptoms. Also, 14% of post-menopausal women say they have reduced their working hours and 8% have not applied for a promotion.
Dr Lakhani adds, “Women are crying out for help and they need support.” soon. It’s not good for the economy.”
We’ll leave you with this – women of menopausal age (that’s 45 to 54, FYI) make up 11% of all people in employment in the UK and 23% of all women in employment. she is 3.5 million woman. “Their importance should not be underestimated,” says Dr Martin Kinsella. (opens in new tab)
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