CLARE FOGES: Menopause 'movement' by Davina has set women back
Is your organisation menopause-friendly? Is the CEO wearing a special ribbon in this Menopause Awareness Month? Do you drink out of special pink and purple mugs?
TL;DR
- Menopause awareness has shifted from taboo to a trendy corporate topic, with merchandise and events.
- The author fears that excessive awareness campaigns, often driven by celebrity stories, create a negative stereotype of women experiencing menopause as 'ticking time bombs'.
- A new UK law requires large businesses to create Menopause Action Plans, but the author contends this policy is based on weak data, citing research that found no difference in work ability between premenopausal and perimenopausal women.
- The emphasis on menopause may lead employers to automatically assume women aged 45-55 will have issues, potentially causing them to be overlooked for jobs.
- The article suggests that instead of specific menopause plans, the focus should be on ensuring healthcare systems provide proper help to all women struggling with menopause, similar to how other life difficulties are handled.