The PDA and NAWP want to ensure that the right support and opportunities are in place to ensure people can thrive at work.
Ayah Abbass, President of NAWP said, “Women have been told to ‘get on with it’ or ‘it’s just something you have to go through’ and many with incredible experiences have been forced to leave work due to menopausal symptoms. It’s important that we bring the menopause into the open and create spaces for comfortable conversations in order to support people going through the menopause to thrive at work.”
NAWP has previously worked to highlight the menopause through newsletter articles and factsheets. This recent event adds to this work by raising awareness and discussing the need to not only have a policy on menopause but also to have structures in place to make this policy live.
Kate Kensington, Head of PDA Education, started the event with a session on the menopause in the workplace and why it is a trade union issue. Kate highlighted the legislation that can support those who are being discriminated against due to their menopause.
Guest speaker Meera Bhogal spoke about her experience of the menopause. She shared how taboo it is to talk about it in South Asian culture and how this drove her to found her own business to ensure that women do not suffer alone, have access to factual information, and are able to make informed choices to help them through this time. Meera shared her tips for good menopausal health around nutrition, exercise, sleep, socialising, and learning something new.
Sherifat Muhammad-Kamal, locum and senior specialist pharmacist and NAWP member, also shared her personal story. She said, “Menopause and menopausal symptoms are part of women’s life cycles, so you’re not alone when you have those symptoms.”
She also advised members to, “Speak out, ask for help, and read supporting articles and books.”
The event drew to a close with questions ranging from how to support as a line manager or male ally, to rights in the workplace around menopause for locums, and alternatives to HRT.
Those who attended were encouraged to talk to others to raise awareness of the menopause and to consider becoming a PDA Rep in their workplace to help to improve the working conditions.
NAWP members taking part in the event for International Women’s Day
Get Involved
- Follow the PDA NAWP Network on social media using the hashtag #PDAnawp
- Join the NAWP Network here.
- If you would like to get involved with the network and its activities, please email: nawp@the-pda.org
Learn more
- PDA attends ACAS menopause briefings
- NAWP produces factsheet to mark World Menopause Day 2020
- NAWP Newsletter – January 2023
Not yet a PDA member?
If you have not yet joined the PDA, we encourage you to join today and ask your colleagues to do the same.
Membership is FREE to pharmacy students, trainee pharmacists, and for the first three months of being newly qualified.
Read about our key member benefits here.