Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons, has pledged to make the House of Commons “menopause friendly for staff”.
Employers are required to sign the pledge to support employees who are affected by menopause. This could include providing fans and flexible work hours.
Sir Lindsay stated that women were the heart of his office, and he didn’t want them to leave because of menopause.
It should not be considered a taboo subject that is “swept under the rug”, according to the Commons Speaker.
More than 600 organizations have signed the Menopause Workplace Pledge launched by the charity Wellbeing of Women. This includes the civil service and John Lewis.
Employers are required to recognize that women experiencing menopause might need support. They must also be open and respectful about the topic.
Menopause can cause symptoms like hot flushes and sleeplessness, mood changes, and osteoporosis.
Sir Lindsay stated that he believes small changes could make it easier for Parliament staff. It could be holding awareness events about menopause and allowing staff members to request breathable uniforms.
At an event at Parliament, the Speaker laughed that he was asked to sign the pledge of Carolyn Harris by the Speaker. He described the Labour MP as “a force for reckoning with”
Ms. Harris, who has been a long-term campaigner for the cause, said that she was “choked” and honored to see the pledge sign.
She spoke to BBC and said that she was “in denial” at the time she entered menopause.
“I worked just as hard, I never lived,” I said. I didn’t go on vacation, and I never went out.
“Once I received treatment, I began to enjoy life again. I don’t want anyone to miss anything. Life is for living.”
She stated that menopausal women who work in Parliament will now be aware of the “system in place to care for them… It is amazing.”
Broadcaster Mariella Frostrup stated that the signing of the pledge in Parliament would send a message to menopause that it is “no longer toxic and shameful”.
At the signing, she told the audience that she was “viewed over the hill” at 50. She said she could as well have a tattoo of the P45 on her forehead.
She said that women have been told for too long to “grin and bear it” but expressed hope that women will feel empowered to seek additional support from their employers.
She stated that the pledge would let women know “their company has our back.”
The signing took place at the close of a day’s campaigning in Parliament. Penny Lancaster, a TV presenter and activist, urged the government to eliminate HRT from menopause treatment in England like it does in Scotland and Wales.
Ms Frostrup argued in favor of reducing the costs and said that “no woman should have to be priced out her sanity”.
Maria Caulfield, Health Minister, has stated that she is putting a “laser emphasis” on women going through menopause. She will also be implementing plans to lower the cost of HRT next year.
