As International Women’s Day approaches, it’s essential for employers to not only celebrate the achievements of women but also to actively support their wellbeing in the workplace.

What’s really important is that this is action, not just words or a tick-box exercise.

One way to demonstrate commitment to women’s health is by becoming a menopause and menstruation-friendly employer:

1. Committing to be a Menopause Friendly Employer 

2. Committing to be a Menstruation Friendly Employer 

Ten practical tips for celebrating International Women’s Day:

Thinking about how you might bring International Women’s Day to life for your colleagues? Here are some practical ideas to get the conversations flowing from members of The Menopause Friendly Accreditation:

1. Share stories, articles and videos: Utilise ready-made resources to educate and raise awareness across your organisation. Consider adding personal touches such as linking to your menopause or menstruation policies or sharing colleague feedback about the difference it’s made for them.

2. Harness the power of shared stories: Encourage employees to share their experiences, whether through written stories, Vlogs or even poetry. This helps create a supportive environment where individuals feel heard and understood.

3. Ready-made conversation starters: Use virtual backgrounds on platforms like Teams or Zoom to spark conversations. These simple tools can serve as effective icebreakers for discussions within and outside the organisation. These are available through these memberships: Menopause Friendly and Menstruation Friendly today!

4. Recognise achievements: Celebrate individuals who are leading the charge for menopause or menstruation awareness and support within your organisation. Consider spotlighting their efforts through articles to inspire others.

5. Host an IWD get-together or event: Organise events that provide opportunities for open discussion about menopause or menstruation, whether through structured discussions, training sessions, or informal gatherings.

6. Host training sessions: Offer training sessions on menopause awareness and support as part of employee development initiatives. These sessions are not only informative but also promote empathy and inclusivity in the workplace.

7. Special support group get-together: Facilitate supportive environments for employees to connect and share experiences through dedicated menopause or menstruation support group meetings.

8. Lunchtime drop-in displays, sessions, or walks: Host lunchtime sessions or walks focused on menopause or menstruation awareness, providing employees with the chance to engage in casual conversations and support.

9. Free resources for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Sessions: Utilise CBT resources to support employees’ mental well-being in relation to menopause, aligning with guidelines from organisations like NICE.

10. Spread the LOVE: raise money for women’s charities: Encourage fundraising initiatives such as bake sales, raffles, or sponsored activities to support women’s health charities, promoting both solidarity and physical well-being.

By implementing these practical steps, employers can not only celebrate International Women’s Day but also demonstrate their commitment to supporting women’s health and well-being in the workplace. Together, we can create inclusive and supportive environments where all employees thrive.

Deborah Garlick

Deborah is passionate about helping women live better lives by educating on the facts about menopause. She’s the CEO at Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace and author of Menopause: the change for the better. And also founder of Henpicked.net.