NEWS 9
INMO calls for greater support for women with menopausal symptoms
The INMO has called for greater workplace recogni- tion and support for women experiencing symptoms of menopause. Following a motion to its annual delegate conference, the union launched a posi- tion paper in conjunction with World Menopause Week designed to encourage discus- sions and lift taboos around menopause at work. Ke y r e c omme n d a t i o n s include: • Development of workplace policies that promote support of women during menopause • E du c a t i on a nd t r a i n i n g regarding the menopause The INMO believes that the profile of menopause in the workplace needs to be acknowledged, recognised as an important occupational issue and for resources to be invested in supporting women. The INMO calls on the wider trade union movement to embrace and campaign for greater recognition and sup- port on this issue. The INMO also calls on all healthcare employers, in both the public and private sectors, to develop menopause-friendly workplaces that recognise the importance of menopause. This includes the development of clear policies, training and dedicated resources to support women experiencing the men- opause at work. Unions also have a role to play in challenging attitudes to the menopause, ensuring that employers have proce- dures in place, and in offering support to women who are experiencing problems. Union representatives should raise the issue with their employer and ensure that the workplace meets the needs of menopau- sal women.
over 300,000 women work- ing in Ireland between the ages of 45 and 64, and around 80% of those will experience symptoms leading up to men- opause. We would like to work with employers to create pos- itive employment policies, as we do with other health and wellbeing-related issues. Cur- rently there is an absence of policies on this issue. “We have issued a position paper to assist our members and other women who might find they require assistance and support during this time in their lives.” Loretta Dignam, founder o f t h e Me n o p a u s e Hu b , said: “Education is central to removing taboos around menopause. We are all about helping women lead healthy and satisfying lives through the menopause both in work and at home, and this means having conversations and find- ing solutions. “We are hoping that this event will help many people understand how best to sup- port themselves and the women in their lives, and ulti- mately help them begin their own conversations around menopause.” The INMO Menopause@ Work Position Statement and Guide is available to download at www.inmo.ie
At the launch of the INMO position paper on Menopause at Work were (l-r): Loretta Dignam, founder of the Menopause Hub, and Steve Pitman, INMO head of education
One of the presenters at the launch was Dr BarbaraTaylor of ‘MenopauseTaylor’
Raising women’s health issues in the workplace will show that women can come to the union when they have difficulties. Menopause is an equal- ity issue and an occupational health issue, where work factors have the potential to impact significantly on a woman’s experience of the menopause. The INMO points out that this legislation is cov- ered under the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015. The challenges faced by nurses and midwives in the workplace who are transition- ing through the menopause is
intrinsically linked to the dif- ficulties experienced everyday for nurses and midwives work- ing on wards and in the clinical environment. Women who a re e x pe - riencing menopause need support from line manage- ment, according to the INMO. “As with any longstanding health-related condition, this is crucial and can make a major difference. The workplace can affect women going through the menopause in various ways, especially if they cannot make healthy choices at work.” INMO general secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha said: “There are
Powered by FlippingBook