Why World Menopause Day is about more than just one day

October 18th marks World Menopause Awareness Day, an essential moment for raising awareness about a natural, yet often misunderstood, phase of life for women. As valuable as awareness days are, my mission extends beyond simply spotlighting issues like menopause; I’m dedicated to driving long-term change around women's health in workplaces.

Awareness Days: A Double-Edged Sword?

Awareness days are perfect for starting conversations. They shine a light on topics that might otherwise stay hidden, giving employees a chance to learn and engage. But there’s a risk: once the day is over, the attention fades, leaving the issue unresolved for another year.

In the case of menopause, this is particularly significant. Menopause, although in itself is only a one-day event, is a transition that usually spans many years, affecting women’s personal and professional lives. An awareness day alone can’t capture the depth of support needed. Using awareness days without follow-through risks diluting the message, making employees feel overlooked.

Leveraging Awareness for Long-Term Impact

Despite the challenges, awareness days are powerful when used as a launchpad for lasting initiatives. A day in the calendar to bring your team together and highlight a specific topic. They offer opportunities to:

• Start Crucial Conversations: Normalise menopause discussions and reduce stigma.
• Educate Your Team: Raise awareness about the realities of menopause, encouraging understanding across all levels of the company.
• Highlight Support Systems: Showcase what’s available to employees and gather feedback on what’s missing. Share what your action plan will be focusing on next.
• Connected Community: Build solidarity among employees and create safe spaces for support.

But this is only the beginning. The real impact comes from sustained action, not just a once-a-year acknowledgement.

How to Create Lasting Change

True change in supporting women through menopause requires an ongoing, multifaceted approach. Here’s how organisations can turn World Menopause Day into a year-round commitment:

1. Ongoing Training: Equip managers and HR teams with the tools to support women effectively, beyond just one-off sessions. Create support and tools for the men in your team too - what do they need to be more comfortable around menopause and be better equipped to support their partners at home?
2. Supportive Policies & Processes: Flexible hours, remote work options, adjustments to work environment, and wellness days can make a huge difference.
3. Inclusive Culture: Encourage open dialogue about menopause without stigma through workshops and support groups.
4. Tailored Health & Wellness Programmes: Offer programmes and coaching to guide women to make habit and lifestyle changes in areas including stress, sleep, nutrition and movement.

World Menopause Day is not just an opportunity for recognition; it’s a call to action. Let’s use this moment to review workplace practices and commit to making meaningful changes that support all of your team, all year round.

Next step:If your organisation is ready to do more than acknowledge menopause, let’s connect and create a culture that supports women’s health for the long term. SEnd me a message to explore how we can collaborate for this World Menopause Awareness Day and beyond.