In a remarkable display of unity and determination, influential personalities from various fields came together at Langan’s Brasserie in London to shine a spotlight on women’s health during midlife, specifically focusing on menopause. This gathering, aptly named the Changemakers Breakfast, coincided with World Menopause Month and featured prominent guests like broadcaster Mariella Frostrup and actress Glynis Barber. The event aimed not only to recognize significant advancements in female health but also to champion the support systems being put in place to assist women facing menopause challenges in the workplace.
Hosted by HELLO!’s own Sophie Vokes-Dudgeon, the event also honored the ongoing partnership between HELLO! and the charity Wellbeing of Women. For over six decades, this charity has been at the forefront of groundbreaking research aimed at improving the health of women, girls, and babies, making it a fitting partner for this important cause. The Menopause Workplace Pledge, launched in 2021, has garnered support from countless organizations, showcasing a commitment to addressing health issues that specifically affect women in their professional lives.
During the event, a panel of inspiring Changemakers shared their insights on the importance of recognizing and addressing women’s health issues, particularly during midlife. Mariella Frostrup, who has become an emblematic figure for menopause advocacy, passionately highlighted the need for workplaces to adapt to the realities of women’s career journeys. She emphasized that the traditional working world is often shaped around male experiences, which marginalizes women’s needs. Frostrup proclaimed, “It’s time we challenge this status quo; it’s not just about the early stages of a career, but the entirety of a woman’s professional life.”
The need for comprehensive support for women experiencing menopause was further echoed by Victoria McKenzie Gould, the Corporate Affairs Director at Marks & Spencer. She detailed how her company has taken proactive steps to create a supportive environment, introducing menopause-friendly uniforms and establishing a dedicated support network for staff. This kind of corporate responsibility is not just advantageous for the workforce but appears to also yield economic benefits, reinforcing the idea that diversity and inclusivity can enhance business performance.
The event underscored the essentiality of open dialogue regarding women’s health issues. Nadia Alibhai, an osteopath and founder of Back 2 Well-Being, shared practical strategies for integrating menopause awareness into daily healthcare practices. By crafting calming environments in the workplace and encouraging techniques such as breathwork, businesses can foster the well-being of their employees, thereby increasing overall productivity and morale.
Michelle Griffith Robinson, a Lifestyle Coach and former Olympic athlete, brought an essential perspective to the conversation by highlighting the waves of diversity within the discussion of menopause. Her advocacy centers around representation and the unique experiences of women of color navigating menopause. Robinson’s journey reflects a broader need for inclusivity in conversations that have historically excluded varied voices. The emphasis she places on communication is equally vital; she urged everyone undergoing perimenopause or menopause to be bold in expressing their needs to their employers and peers.
As this event illustrated, the shift towards a more inclusive and supportive approach to women’s health in the workplace is well underway. Advocates like Frostrup, Robinson, and Gould are not just talking the talk—they are actively leading initiatives that aim to reshape how organizations approach women’s health issues. Their collective mission is clear: to dismantle the stigma around menopause and ensure that all women can thrive at work, accessing the support they truly deserve.
The Changemakers Breakfast serves as a vital reminder of the strides being made and the work that still lies ahead. It is an invitation for businesses, policymakers, and society at large to prioritize women’s health, reflecting a broader commitment to creating equitable and supportive work environments. In doing so, we not only uplift individual lives but also pave the way for future generations of women to navigate their health challenges with grace and confidence.
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