Celebrating World Menopause Day on 18th October 2024, it’s truly a day to honor and acknowledge an important phase of women’s lives. This global observance aims to raise public awareness about menopause, its symptoms, impact, and the available support options for those experiencing it. The goal of the day is to eliminate the stigma attached to menopause and open up conversations about this natural physiological transition in a woman’s life.
Menopause is a significant event, which ushers in a new period in a woman’s life. It’s a process that approximately halves of the world’s population undergoes at some point, usually between the ages of 45-55. By fostering awareness and understanding of this natural life transition, we can ensure that better resources are developed and accessible to women around the world.
Drawing attention to this observance and honing in on the necessity to address this topic, renowned TV personality and menopause awareness advocate, Davina McCall shared her perspectives on how business organizations, specifically within the travel industry, can play a pivotal role in providing support to their staff members.
A key message from McCall was the importance of resources. Resources can range from certified medical help, steam of information about menopause, counseling services to support group communities. For those going through menopause, having a reliable and accessible resource can help alleviate some of the stress and anxiety that comes with this major life change.
Furthermore, McCall emphasized the crucial role that men can play in this conversation, considering that they are often the partners, friends, and colleagues of those undergoing menopause. By involving men in discussions about menopause and ensuring they are adequately educated, we can foster a more supportive and understanding environment for women experiencing this transition.
In addition, McCall also suggested that businesses should be proactive and inclusive in their approach to menopause. It’s about recognizing and addressing the issue head-on, rather than letting it become a source of discomfort or uneasiness among team members.
While businesses of various sizes can play their part, McCall made a special mention of large businesses owing to their potential for greater inclusive reach within their sizeable workforces. Adopting a forward-looking approach about menopause can also contribute to a healthy working environment and boost overall job satisfaction and productivity levels.
To conclude, World Menopause Day is a reminding beacon that invites us all to educate ourselves better about this phase of a woman’s life, anticipate its presence in our own lives or those around us, and lend our supportive hands and understanding hearts to those experiencing it. Offering understanding, empathy, and support can go a long way in ensuring that this life transition is met with kindness and compassion in workplaces and beyond. As the menopause awareness advocate Davina McCall suggests, it’s about making the journey of menopause a joint responsibility – one that is shared, inclusive, and supportive.
Being aware of the various aspect of menopause can equip each of us to contribute towards a more inclusive and understanding society, breaking down stigma and encouraging open discussions about this natural, albeit complex period in a woman’s life. After all, ensuring the well-being of all members of the society, despite their physiological changes, is indeed the hallmark of a healthy, progressive society.
