This week, community leaders, experts and advocates came together to discuss lived experience of menopause and perimenopause, and the importance of supportive workplaces, in the lead up to World Menopause Day on 18 October.
The NSW government hosted this discussion panel, which featured renowned menopause advocate Em Rusciano, Dr Sarah White (CEO of Jean Hailes for Women’s Health), Professor Elizabeth Hill (Deputy Director, Australian Centre for Gender Equality and Inclusion at Work) and Karen Willis OAM (Gender Equity Officer, Unions NSW).
The panel discussed lived experiences of menopause and perimenopause in all areas of life, including women who experience menopause earlier than the average age of 51 due to medicine or surgery.
With more than three quarters of working women in Australia affected by perimenopause and menopause symptoms, the panel covered the importance of addressing employee stigma, creating safe and inclusive workplaces, increasing manager awareness, as well as sharing initiatives on improving women’s overall health and wellbeing.
Misunderstood transition
Minister for Women and Seniors, Jodie Harrison said, ‘Menopause is a natural part of life, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood and under-discussed health transitions.
‘This is despite the fact that most women – around 83 per cent – report at least one menopause symptom that affects their work. These symptoms can affect women’s lives, careers and retirement.
‘This World Menopause Day, we’re creating space for open conversations, practical support and recognition of the diverse ways menopause affects women across NSW, particularly within the workplace,’ she said.
‘We need to continue the conversation about the impacts of menopause and make sure women are empowered to speak about it and access the appropriate supports.’
Dr Sarah White, CEO of Jean Hailes for Women’s Health, said ‘Jean Hailes’ National Women’s Health Survey found that 17 per cent of women aged 45 to 64 take an extended break from workforce participation due to illness. Menopause is a significant factor in this decision.
‘We need to empower women with practical, evidence-based solutions so we don’t lose the incredibly valuable skills, knowledge and experience that women in midlife bring to the workplace.’
Em Rusciano, perimenopausal advocate, performer and keynote speaker, said ‘Perimenopause hit me in my late 30s – much earlier than I ever expected.
‘I thought it was a “later in life” problem, but instead it’s been a brutal, seismic shift I was utterly unprepared for. And that’s exactly why I’m talking about it now: because menopause has been buried under shame and silence for generations.
‘Puberty and pregnancy are resourced and respected; menopause deserves the same. Saying it out loud is how we peel back the shame and push the systems to finally catch up.’
Resources
There are several public resources to support women and workplaces navigate the menopause transition, including the Menopause and Perimenopause Toolkit – a central resource containing information to support women, families, workplaces and health professionals.
The toolkit is designed to give women and employees confidence, enhance their understanding of treatment, and support their autonomy by offering practical strategies for everyday challenges and managing symptoms at work.
It includes:
- A downloadable menopause symptoms checklist, translated into eight languages, easy read and tailored for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.
- Menopause videos that explain the symptoms of menopause and how they impact day-to-day life. Translated videos are also available.
- Employment resources for managers and employees.
- A podcast series exploring common symptoms and experiences.
- Guides for partners and families.
To learn more visit: www.nsw.gov.au/menopause.
For women experiencing severe and complex menopause symptoms, the NSW government has set up four Menopause Hubs around the state, with a multi-disciplinary team of specialists to provide holistic support.
The Hubs are networked to a number of referral sites across New South Wales, improving access to specialist care.
To learn more about menopause services, go to: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/women/Pages/menopause.aspx.
